^{~Bannatyne Club Publication No.86~}
Book of St Thomas of Arbroath:
Registers of the Abbey of Arbroath
Volume 1: 1178 – 1329

This is the first part of the registers of the Abbey of Arbroath (Aberbrothoc). It contains the Old Register together with contemporary muniments of the same period, covering the years 1178 to 1329. It was published in Edinburgh in 1848.

CITATION: Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc. Registrorum Abbacie de Aberbrothoc. Pars Prior. Registrum Vetus Munimentaque Eidem Coetanea Complectens. 1178–1329. Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1848.

Master Index – Volume 1
Guthrie People

Master Index – Volume 1
Guthrie Places

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 3–8 (Manuscript folio 1)

Date of the Entry 25 February (year not stated in the visible text; early in the reign of William the Lion, traditionally dated c. 1178 × 1182)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutheryn (the church of Gutheryn / Gutheri / Gotherin)

Role of the Place One of the parish churches permanently granted to Arbroath Abbey in free, pure, and perpetual alms as part of the Abbey’s original endowment.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• William, King of Scots (William the Lion)
• The church and monks of Arbroath Abbey (newly founded in honour of St Thomas the Martyr)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Great confirmation charter by King William the Lion granting and confirming to the newly founded Abbey of Arbroath a large group of churches, lands, and rights. Among the churches explicitly listed is the church of Gutheryn, granted together with the church of Monikie.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… And the church of Monikie and the church of Gutheryn. And the church of Abernethy with the chapel, lands, teinds, and offerings of all kinds, with common pasture and all other easements and with all other things justly belonging to the said churches, to be held in free, quiet, and perpetual alms, as freely, quietly, fully, and honourably as any alms in my whole kingdom is most freely, quietly, fully, and honourably held and possessed. …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the earliest documentary reference to the church of Gutheryn in the Arbroath Abbey records.
• It establishes that the parish church of Gutheryn was among the original endowments of the Abbey at or very soon after its foundation by King William the Lion.
• The place-name appears here in the form Gutheryn, consistent with the later Index Locorum variants (Gutheri, Gotherin).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 67–68 (Manuscript folio 96)

Date of the Entry 12 January (year not stated; reign of William the Lion)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin / Gutheryn)

Role of the Place The parish church of Gutherin is granted in free, pure, and perpetual alms to the church and monks of Arbroath, together with its chapel, lands, teinds, offerings, and all just pertinents.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• William, King of Scots (William the Lion)
• The church and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Specific royal charter by which King William grants and confirms the church of Gutherin to Arbroath Abbey.

Modern English Translation Charter of the lord King William concerning the church of Gutherin.

96 William, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all good men of his whole land, clergy and laity, greeting. Know present and future that I have given and granted and by this my charter confirmed to God and the church of St Thomas of Arbroath and the monks serving God there the church of Gutherin with the chapel and lands and teinds and offerings and all other just pertinents belonging to it. To be held in free and pure and perpetual alms, as freely and quietly, fully and honourably as they hold and possess their other alms most freely, quietly, fully and honourably.

Witnesses: Hugh my chancellor; Richard de Prebenda my clerk; Ralph and Walter my chaplains; Philip de Valognes chamberlain; Robert de Quincy; William Cumin; William de Haya; William Flammens. At Montrose, the 12th day of January.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is a dedicated royal charter specifically conveying the church of Gutherin to Arbroath Abbey.
• It reinforces the earlier general grant found in the great foundation/confirmation charter (pp. 3–8) and provides a clear, stand-alone title for the church.
• The spelling here is Gutherin, one of the recorded variants of the place-name.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 70–74 (Manuscript folio 100)

Date of the Entry 17 February (reign of Alexander II; year not stated in the visible text)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutheryn (the church of Gutheryn)

Role of the Place The church of Gutheryn is confirmed to Arbroath Abbey, together with the churches of Monikie and Abernethy, with their chapels, lands, teinds, offerings, and all just pertinents, to be held in free, pure, and perpetual alms.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Alexander, King of Scots (Alexander II)
• The church and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose General confirmation by King Alexander II of the lands, churches, and rights previously granted to Arbroath Abbey by his father, King William. The church of Gutheryn is explicitly included in the list of confirmed churches.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… I have also granted and confirmed the church of Monikie, the church of Gutheryn, and the church of Abernethy, with the chapels, lands, teinds, and offerings of all kinds, with common pasture and all other easements justly belonging to the said churches. To be held in free and pure and perpetual alms, as freely and quietly, fully and honourably as any alms in my whole kingdom is most freely, quietly, fully and honourably held and possessed. …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the royal confirmation by Alexander II of the earlier grants of the church of Gutheryn made by William the Lion.
• It demonstrates the continuity of the Abbey’s title to the church across the change of reign.
• The spelling remains Gutheryn.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Page 128 (Manuscript folio 184)

Date of the Entry Undated (episcopate of Ralph, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutherin, with its chapel, lands, teinds, offerings, and all just pertinents, is granted and confirmed by the Bishop of Brechin to Arbroath Abbey in free, pure, and perpetual alms. The monks are also instituted as the canonical rectors and given the right to appoint a chaplain or clerk, saving the rights of the bishop.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ralph, Bishop of Brechin
• The church and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Episcopal charter by which Ralph, Bishop of Brechin, grants and confirms the church of Gutherin to Arbroath Abbey and institutes the monks as its canonical possessors.

Modern English Translation Concerning the church of Gutherin.

184 Ralph, by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, to all the sons of holy mother church and to the faithful, greeting in the Lord forever. Know present and future that we have given and granted and by this our charter confirmed to God and the church of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath and the monks serving God there, in free and pure and perpetual alms, the church of Gutherin with the chapel and lands and teinds and offerings and all other things justly belonging to it. We have also instituted the same monks canonically in the said church. We have further granted to the said monks that they may convert the revenues and profits of the foresaid church to their own use for their sustenance, and that they may possess them peacefully, freely, fully and honourably, and that it may be lawful for them to appoint a chaplain or clerk in the said church, saving the rights of the bishop.

Witnesses: Guido, abbot of Lindores; Gregory our archdeacon; William de Bosco, chancellor of the lord king; Hugh de Sigillo; Peter our chaplain; Andrew de Brechin; Malbride, prior of Brechin; Alexander de Muhauth; Robert son of Edgar; and T. his son.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the episcopal confirmation and formal institution of Arbroath Abbey in the church of Gutherin by the diocesan bishop (Brechin).
• It completes the title: royal grants (William I and Alexander II) are now reinforced by the bishop’s charter and canonical institution.
• Spelling used: Gutherin.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 128–129 (Manuscript folio 185)

Date of the Entry Undated (episcopate of Ralph, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutherin is included in a general episcopal confirmation of multiple churches granted to Arbroath Abbey, with their chapels, lands, teinds, offerings, and all just pertinents, to be held in free, pure, and perpetual alms for the monks’ own use.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ralph, Bishop of Brechin
• The church and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose General confirmation by Ralph, Bishop of Brechin, of all the churches previously granted to Arbroath Abbey (including Gutherin), with authority for the monks to convert the revenues to their own use and to appoint chaplains, saving the rights of the bishop.

Modern English Translation Confirmation by Ralph, Bishop of Brechin, of all the churches.

185 Ralph, by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, to all the sons of holy mother church and to the faithful, greeting in the Lord forever. Know present and future that we have given and granted and by episcopal authority and by this our present charter confirmed to God and the church of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath and the monks serving God there, in free and pure and perpetual alms, the church of Old Montrose, the church of Dunnichen, the church of Kingoldrum, the church of Panbride, the church of Monikie, the church of Gutherin, the church of Kathin, with the chapels and lands and teinds and offerings and with all other just pertinents belonging to them. We have also granted to the said monks that they may convert the revenues and profits of the foresaid churches to their own use and for their sustenance, and that they may possess them peacefully. Wherefore we will that the said monks shall hold and possess the foresaid churches with the chapels and lands and teinds and all other rights justly belonging to the same churches for their own use, as freely and quietly, fully and honourably as any religious men hold and possess any ecclesiastical benefice in the whole kingdom of Scotland most freely, quietly, fully and honourably. And it shall be lawful for them to appoint such chaplains as they wish in the same churches, saving the rights of the bishop.

Witnesses: Guido, abbot of Lindores; Gregory our archdeacon; William our official; Matthew our dean; and Andrew de Brechin; Alexander de Muhaut; and Master Isaac our clerk; John de Munfort; David de Haia; and Robert de Haia his brother; Robert son of Edgar; and Thomas his son.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is a broad episcopal confirmation that groups the church of Gutherin with the other major churches of the Abbey in the diocese of Brechin.
• It reinforces the earlier specific grant of Gutherin by the same bishop (folio 184) and the royal grants.
• Spelling used: Gutherin.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 129–130 (Manuscript folio 186)

Date of the Entry Undated (episcopate of Hugh, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutherin is included in a general confirmation by Bishop Hugh of Brechin of the churches previously granted and confirmed to Arbroath Abbey by his predecessor Ralph, to be held in free, pure, and perpetual alms for the monks’ own use, with the right to appoint their own chaplains.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Hugh, Bishop of Brechin
• The church and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath
• Ralph, previous Bishop of Brechin (referenced)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Confirmation by Hugh, Bishop of Brechin, of all the churches (including Gutherin) previously confirmed to Arbroath Abbey by Bishop Ralph, reaffirming the monks’ right to the revenues and to appoint chaplains.

Modern English Translation Confirmation by Hugh, Bishop of Brechin, of all the churches.

186 Hugh, by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, to all the sons of holy mother church, eternal greeting in the Lord. We wish it to be known to the whole university that we have granted and by this present charter confirmed to God and the church of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath and the monks serving God there, in free and pure and perpetual alms, the church of Old Montrose, the church of Dunnichen, the church of Kingoldrum, the church of Panbride, the church of Monikie, the church of Gutherin, the church of Katerin, with the chapels and lands and all revenues justly belonging to the said churches. We have also granted to the said monks that they may convert the revenues and profits of the foresaid churches to their own use for their sustenance, and that they may hold and possess them freely and peacefully, fully and honourably, as is contained in the charter of Ralph of good memory, our predecessor. And that it may be lawful for the said monks to appoint their own chaplains in the same churches, saving the rights of the bishop.

Witnesses: Robert, elect of Ross; Guido, abbot of Lindores; William, abbot of Scone; William de Bosco, chancellor of the lord king; Gregory our archdeacon; Malbride, prior of our Céli Dé; Alexander de Muhaut our clerk; Master Simon de St Andrews; Robert our chaplain; and our whole chapter.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the confirmation by the next Bishop of Brechin (Hugh) of the earlier grants and confirmations of the church of Gutherin.
• It shows continued episcopal support for Arbroath Abbey’s possession of the church across successive bishops.
• Spelling used: Gutherin.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Page 130 (Manuscript folio 187)

Date of the Entry Undated (episcopate of Gregory, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutherin is included in a general confirmation by Bishop Gregory of Brechin of the churches held by Arbroath Abbey. The monks are again instituted as the canonical possessors and granted the right to convert the revenues to their own use and to appoint their own chaplains.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Gregory, Bishop of Brechin
• The church and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Confirmation by Gregory, Bishop of Brechin, of all the churches (including Gutherin) belonging to Arbroath Abbey, with canonical institution of the monks and authority to appoint chaplains.

Modern English Translation Confirmation by Gregory, Bishop, of all the churches.

187 Gregory, by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, to all the sons of holy mother church, eternal greeting in the Lord. We wish it to be known to the whole university that we have granted and by this our present charter confirmed to God and the church of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath and the monks serving God there in perpetuity, in free and pure and perpetual alms, the church of Old Montrose, the church of Dunnichen, the church of Kingoldrum, the church of Panbride, the church of Monikie, the church of Gutherin, the church of Kathin, with the chapels and lands and revenues and all other things justly belonging to the said churches. We have also instituted the same monks canonically in the same churches. We have further granted to the said monks that they may convert the revenues and profits of the foresaid churches to their own use for their sustenance, and that they may possess them freely and peacefully, fully and honourably. And that it may be lawful for the same monks to appoint their own chaplains in the same churches, saving the rights of the bishop.

Witnesses: the lord Bricius, Bishop of Moray; the lord William de Bosco, chancellor; Malbride, prior of our Céli Dé; Master Henry de Norham our official; Freskin, dean of the church of Moray; Master Henry and Hugh de Douglas, clerks of the lord of Moray; Master Henry de Munros; and William our chaplain; and our whole chapter.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the third successive episcopal confirmation (Ralph → Hugh → Gregory) of the church of Gutherin to Arbroath Abbey.
• It demonstrates the consistent support of the Bishops of Brechin for the Abbey’s title across multiple pontificates.
• Spelling used: Gutherin.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 131–132 (Manuscript folio 189)

Date of the Entry Undated (episcopate of Ralph, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutheri (the church of Gutheri / Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutheri is one of five churches (together with Maryton, Panbride, Monikie, and Dunnichen) for which Bishop Ralph remits the customary procurations. When the bishop visits these churches, the procuration is to be received at Arbroath Abbey rather than at the individual churches.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ralph, Bishop of Brechin
• The abbot and monks of St Thomas of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which Ralph, Bishop of Brechin, remits the procurations due from certain churches belonging to Arbroath Abbey (including Gutheri), arranging that the bishop will instead receive the procuration at the Abbey itself.

Modern English Translation Charter of Ralph, Bishop of Brechin, concerning the making of procurations.

189 To all the sons of holy mother church, both present and future, R., by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, greeting in the author of salvation. The abbot and monks of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath have come before us, showing that certain of their churches, namely the church of Maryton, the church of Gutheri, the church of Panbride, the church of Monikie, and the church of Dunnichen, situated in our diocese, when we come for visitation, cannot serve us as honourably as is fitting in making our procuration, both because of the poverty of the houses and because of other reasons which the brethren assigned. They therefore petitioned us that we would remit to them the procurations of the foresaid churches, so that when we come to visit any of them, no procuration being exacted there, we should come to their house of Arbroath to receive our procuration, both because after the completion of our ministry in the said churches access would be open without any difficulty to the Abbey near which they are situated, and because there they could serve us more usefully and honourably in making our procuration. We, therefore, loving the said house of Arbroath with sincere charity and desiring to provide in every way for its utility and honour, have of our own free will, after consultation with our clerks, completely remitted to the abbot and monks of the same place the exaction of the procurations of all the churches named above, so that the procurations of the same churches shall be honourably exhibited to us at Arbroath. And so that this our grant may be held firm and unshaken in future times, we confirm it by this our charter and strengthen it by the apposition of our seal.

Witnesses: Gregory the archdeacon; William the chaplain; Andrew the chaplain of Brechin; Matthew the dean; Peter our chaplain; Malbride, prior of the Céli Dé of Brechin; William de Kerneil, parson of Dundee; Henry, chaplain of Montrose.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Shows the practical administration of the church of Gutheri as one of the Abbey’s appropriated churches in the diocese of Brechin.
• The remission of procurations at the individual churches (with payment instead at Arbroath) is a mark of the Abbey’s favoured status and the bishop’s accommodation of its convenience.
• Spelling used here: Gutheri.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 132–133 (Manuscript folio 191)

Date of the Entry Undated (episcopate of Gregory, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutherin is one of the five churches for which Bishop Gregory confirms the earlier remission of procurations (originally granted by Bishops Ralph and Hugh). When the bishop visits these churches, the procuration is to be received at Arbroath Abbey rather than at the individual churches.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Gregory, Bishop of Brechin
• The abbot and convent of St Thomas of Arbroath
• Ralph and Hugh, previous Bishops of Brechin (referenced)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Confirmation by Gregory, Bishop of Brechin, of the remission of procurations for certain churches (including Gutherin) previously granted by his predecessors, so that the bishop receives the procuration at Arbroath Abbey.

Modern English Translation Confirmation by Bishop Gregory of Brechin concerning the making of procurations.

191 Gregory, by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, to all the sons of holy mother church and to the faithful, eternal greeting in the Lord. Be it known to your whole university that we, imitating the pious footsteps of Ralph and Hugh of good memory, our predecessors, Bishops of Brechin, and with the counsel and assent of our common chapter, have granted and by this our charter confirmed to the abbot and convent of St Thomas the Martyr, our beloved brothers in Christ, that when we come by reason of our office to visit certain of their churches, namely those of Maryton and of Gutherin and of Panbride and of Monikie and of Dunnichen, the procuration due to us or to our officials having been remitted at those churches, we shall come to the Abbey itself of Arbroath to receive our procurations, where we and ours can be served more decently and honourably. And so that this our grant may be held firm and unshaken in future times, we have thought it worthy to strengthen it, as our predecessors fully did, by the apposition of our seal.

Witnesses: the lord Bricius, Bishop of Moray; the lord William de Bosco, chancellor; Malbride, prior of our Céli Dé; Master Henry de Norham our official; Freskin, dean of the church of Moray; Master Henry and Hugh de Douglas, clerks of the lord Bishop of Moray; Master Henry and William our chaplains; and our whole chapter.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms the practical arrangement for the church of Gutherin (and four other Abbey churches) across three successive Bishops of Brechin (Ralph → Hugh → Gregory).
• Demonstrates the stable and favoured administrative relationship between Arbroath Abbey and the diocese of Brechin regarding this church.
• Spelling used: Gutherin.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Page 133 (Manuscript folio 192)

Date of the Entry Undated (during the episcopate of Ralph, Bishop of Brechin)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutherin (the church of Gutherin)

Role of the Place The church of Gutherin is one of the five churches for which the Chapter of Brechin confirms the remission of procurations previously granted by Bishop Ralph. When the bishop visits these churches, no procuration is to be exacted at the individual churches; instead it is to be received at Arbroath Abbey.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• M., Prior, and the Céli Dé of the Chapter of the church of Brechin
• Ralph, Bishop of Brechin (whose grant is being confirmed)
• The monks of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Confirmation by the Chapter of Brechin of Bishop Ralph’s remission of procurations for certain churches belonging to Arbroath Abbey (including Gutherin).

Modern English Translation Confirmation by the Chapter of Brechin concerning the procurations.

192 To all the sons of holy mother church, M., prior, and the Céli Dé of the chapter of the church of Brechin, greeting. Be it known to your university that Ralph, by the grace of God Bishop of Brechin, with our counsel and assent, for the sake of charity, granted to the monks of Arbroath that whenever he comes by reason of his office to visit certain of their churches situated in his diocese, namely the church of Maryton, or the church of Gutherin, or the church of Panbride, or the church of Monikie, or the church of Dunnichen, no procuration of hospitality shall be exhibited to him at any of them, but only at the Abbey, where this can be done more decently and honourably. We also hold this grant, as it is better contained in the charter of the said monks, entirely firm and acceptable. And in testimony of this matter we have thought it worthy to append the seal of our church to the present writing.

Witness: the whole of our chapter.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Completes the set of confirmations for the remission of procurations relating to the church of Gutherin: Bishop Ralph’s original grant, the confirmations by Bishops Hugh and Gregory, and now the formal assent of the Chapter of Brechin.
• Shows the full institutional support (bishop + chapter) for the special arrangement favouring Arbroath Abbey.
• Spelling used: Gutherin.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 153–156 (Manuscript folio 221)

Date of the Entry 11 May 1207 (Lateran, 3rd year of the pontificate of Innocent III)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gutheryn (the church of Gutheryn)

Role of the Place The church of Gutheryn is included in the general papal confirmation by Innocent III of the possessions of Arbroath Abbey. It is listed among the churches previously granted by the Bishop of Brechin (Turpin / T.).

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Pope Innocent III
• Henry, Abbot of Arbroath, and the monks
• Bishop T. of Brechin (whose earlier grant is referenced)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Papal bull of Pope Innocent III confirming the lands, churches, rights, and privileges of Arbroath Abbey, including the church of Gutheryn among those received from the Bishop of Brechin.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… From the grant of T. of good memory, Bishop of Brechin: the church of Old Montrose, the church of Panbride, the church of Monikie, the church of Gutheryn, the church of Kathin, the church of Dunnichen, the church of Kingoldrum, with all their pertinents and liberties, as is more fully contained in the writing of the same bishop. …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the highest-level confirmation of the church of Gutheryn: a papal privilege issued by Innocent III in 1207.
• It places the Abbey’s title to Gutheryn under the protection of the Holy See, following the earlier royal and episcopal grants.
• Spelling used: Gutheryn.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Prior (Registrum Vetus)
Pages 240–241

Date of the Entry Undated (taxation list of churches in the bishopric of Brechin; mid-13th century context)

Place Identified

• Ecclesia de Gotherin (the church of Gotherin / Gutheryn)

Role of the Place The church of Gotherin appears in the official taxation list of churches in the diocese of Brechin, assessed at 8 merks.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• None (administrative taxation list)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Taxation (assessment) of the churches in the bishopric of Brechin, recording the value of each for ecclesiastical taxation purposes.

Modern English Translation (Relevant line)

Church of Gotherin . . . . . 8 merks.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides the only recorded medieval valuation of the church of Gutheryn/Gotherin.
• At 8 merks it ranks as a modest parish church within the diocese of Brechin (compare Monikie and Panbride at 40 pounds, Dunnichen and Maryton at 20 merks, etc.).
• Spelling used here: Gotherin (one of the Index Locorum variants).

^{~Bannatyne Club Publication No.86~}
Book of St Thomas of Arbroath:
Registers of the Abbey of Arbroath
Volume 2: 1329 – 1536

This is the second part of the registers of the Abbey of Arbroath (Aberbrothoc), containing the Black Register together with the more recent books of charters, covering the years 1329 to 1536. It was published in Edinburgh in 1856 under the auspices of the Bannatyne Club.

CITATION: Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc. Registrorum Abbacie de Aberbrothoc. Pars Altera. Registrum Nigrum necnon Libros Cartarum Recentiores Complectens. 1329–1536. Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1856.

Master Index – Vol. 2
Guthrie People

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 20–22 (Manuscript Folio 22)

Date of the Entry 17 July 1348

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Adam de Guthry (witness)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Willelmus, Abbot of Arbroath (actor / plaintiff)
• Johannes de Clakmanan (reus / defendant)
• Magistro Willelmo de Hall, Roberto dicto Scot, Petro de Haya, Willelmo Jacob (ballivi of Dundee)
• Willelmus de Meldrum (commissary)
• Dominus Dauid de Berkelay, miles (deputy justiciar)
• Willelmus, Earl of Ross, Lord of Sky (justiciar north of the Forth)
• Colinus filius Nigelli (tenant of the Abbey in Kyngoldrum)
• Witnesses: Dominus Dauid de Gram, Roberto de Chesholm (knights), Waltero de Maull, Thoma Ruwell, Henrico de Lychtoun, Alexandro de Ogilwill, and many others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Record of a justiciary court proceeding held at Forfar concerning the unlawful exacting of royal toll (tolloneum) by a Dundee burgess from an Abbey tenant, contrary to the privileges of Arbroath Abbey.

Guthrie Role Adam de Guthry appears solely as a named witness present in court when the Abbot of Arbroath accepted the defendant’s apology, remitted the injury, and absolved him under penalty.

Modern English Translation Against the burgesses of Dundee concerning the exacting of toll and custom.

Be it known to all by these presents that before me, William de Meldrum, commissary, jointly and severally with … lord David de Berkeley, knight, deputed in this matter by … William, Earl of Ross, Lord of Sky and justiciar on the north side of the water of Forth, sitting for judgment in the aforesaid justiciary at Forfar on Thursday, namely the seventeenth day of the month of July in the year of Our Lord one thousand three hundred and forty-eight, there appeared in judgment … William … abbot … of Arbroath … in the name of the said monastery as actor … and John de Clackmannan, the defendant … together with master William de Hall, Robert called Scot, Peter de Haya, and William Jacob, bailies of the burgh of Dundee, constituted by letters patent of the community of the said burgh sealed with their common seal … to repledge their fellow-burgesses, stallangers, and their servants of the said burgh indicted and arrested in the said justiciary and elsewhere wherever, and especially the said defendant, upon this, namely that the said defendant in the town of Dundee on the Saturday next after the feast of St John the Baptist of the aforesaid year took from a certain man of the said religious, called Colin son of Nigel, dwelling in their land of Kingoldrum, one sterling penny for the king’s toll, which he ought by no means to have done, as the said abbot asserted, since this was against the privilege of good memory of King Alexander, son of King William, once the illustrious king of Scotland, founder of the said monastery, which privilege sealed with the seal of the said King Alexander he caused to be shown and read there, together with a papal bull confirming the donations and grants of kings and princes and other faithful of Christ made and to be made to the said monastery, concluding with a curse and spiritual penalty against those coming against the privileges and contents in the same bull to the damage or prejudice of the said religious and the aforesaid monastery.

Which defendant, seeing, hearing, and considering the tenors of the said privileges, and that the said abbot in the name aforesaid was prepared to proceed against him for the aforesaid causes concerning the fraud of the royal protection perpetually granted to them and the aforesaid monastery and their men and goods (which also the said abbot caused to be read there), in full court on bended knees acknowledged that he the said defendant had erred and sinned against the aforesaid privileges, and with joined hands begged the said lord abbot for pardon, offering him the penny taken from his man; and the aforesaid bailies of his, both in their own name and in the name of their community, denied that the taking of the said penny of toll had been done by their mandate or will.

These things having been thus done, the said lord abbot, at the supplication of the greater persons present in the said court and also moved by piety, took the said penny from the same defendant and remitted to him the said injury, enjoining upon him under penalty of twenty pounds sterling to be applied in equal portions to the fabric of the churches of St Andrews and of Arbroath that henceforth he attempt nothing unduly against the aforesaid privileges. And then the said abbot absolved the same defendant from the sentence which he incurred by his aforesaid deed. And this I signify to all whom it concerns by the tenor of these presents.

These things were done in the presence of … lords David de Graham, Robert de Chesholm, knights; Walter de Maule, Thomas Ruwell, Adam de Guthry, Henry de Lichtoun, Alexander de Ogilvy, and many others. In witness whereof I have openly affixed my seal to the present letters at Forfar on the seventeenth day of the month of July in the year of grace 1348.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Earliest dated appearance of Adam de Guthry in the Arbroath Abbey registers.
• Places him as a person of sufficient standing to be named among the witnesses (alongside knights and local lairds) at a justiciary court in Forfar in 1348.
• Confirms the ongoing assertion of Arbroath Abbey’s privileges regarding freedom from tolls, granted by King Alexander II.
• Provides a fixed chronological anchor for the early Guthrie presence in Angus.

Notes

• Adam de Guthry is listed only as a witness; no further action or description is given.
• The case concerns a one-penny toll taken from an Abbey tenant in Kingoldrum (Kyngoldrum).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 59–60 (Manuscript Folio 63)

Date of the Entry 14 December 1418

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Willelmus de Guthry (William of Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Walterus, Abbot of Arbroath
• The Convent of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Indenture (tack / lease) by which the Abbot and Convent of Arbroath set in farm to William of Guthrie their lands of Innerlownan (Innerlounan).

Guthrie Role Tenant / lessee of the Abbey’s lands of Innerlownan. He undertakes to pay the stipulated grain rents, attend the Abbot’s courts, keep the lands free of husbandry burdens, supply plough service when required, and not to sublet without licence.

Modern English Translation Indenture upon the lands of Innerlownan.

63 This indenture made at Arbroath on the fourteenth day of the month of December in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and eighteen between … Walter … abbot … of Arbroath and the convent of the same place … and … William of Guthrie … witnesses: That … the abbot and convent … have set in farm … to William of Guthrie all their lands of Innerlownan … Paying therefor yearly … three celdras of barley and two celdras of good oat meal with the measure of the current market, and ten bolls of barley and oat meal with the aforesaid measure, to be paid at the customary terms … And the same William shall also appear at the courts and pleas … of the abbot doing common suit, and shall hold the same lands free from all husbandry burdens, and when he shall be required … he shall be ready to labour the plough of the court, receiving the customary fee. Moreover if … he shall be injurious, disobedient or rebellious to us or our officers or husbandmen, or slow or damaging in the payment of his farm, it shall be lawful for us … at the pleasure of our will … to dispose of the said land. Nor shall it be lawful for the same … to set the said lands … to anyone … except to cottars without our special licence … In witness whereof to the part of this indenture remaining with the foresaid William the common seal of the chapter … has been appended; the part remaining with … the abbot … remains sealed with the seal … of William. Given … on the year, day and month abovesaid.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Documents William of Guthrie as a substantial tenant of Arbroath Abbey in 1418.
• Provides precise details of the rent (grain) and feudal obligations attached to the lands of Innerlownan.
• One of the earlier personal appearances of a Guthrie holding Abbey land by formal tack.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 65 (Manuscript folio 71)

Date of the Entry 2 August 1434 (anno tricésimo iiiiº of the abbot’s time / context)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Willelmus de Guthry (William of Guthrie)
• Magister Alexander de Guthry (Master Alexander of Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Walterus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Andrea Tryppis (grantee)
• Ricardus Johannis filii quondam Johannis Thome (resigner of the land)
• Dauid Paniter
• Gilbertus Brown
• Walterus Brown (burgesses of Perth)
• Johannes Stephani (burgess of Forfar)
• Dauid Ramsay and Patricius Schoreschaugh (neighbouring landholders)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Feu-farm charter of a piece of land lying in the burgh of Forfar (on the north side of the market street) granted by the Abbot and Convent of Arbroath to Andrew Tryppis after its resignation by Richard son of the late John Thomson.

Guthrie Role Both William of Guthrie and Master Alexander of Guthrie appear as witnesses present at the resignation of the land into the Abbot’s hands (performed at the north end of the bridge of Perth).

Modern English Translation Setting in feu-farm of a piece of land of Forfar.

71 To all … Walter … abbot … of Arbroath … greeting … Know that we … have set in feu-farm … to Andrew Tryppis … a piece of land … lying in the burgh of Forfar in the market street on the north side of the same street between the land of David Ramsay on the west … and the land of Patrick Schoreschaugh on the east … which piece … belonged to Richard son of the late John Thomson, and which the same Richard … at the north end of the bridge of Perth in the presence of … William of Guthrie, David Paniter, Master Alexander of Guthrie, Gilbert Brown, Walter Brown, burgesses of Perth, and John Stephen, burgess of Forfar … resigned into our hands … for himself and his heirs … To be held … in fee and heritage forever with all … pertinents … Rendering … fifteen pennies of the usual money of the kingdom of Scotland … at the two terms of the year … with a competent booth only for all other burden … In witness whereof the seal … of the chapter … has been appended … on the second day of the month of August in the year etc. the thirty-fourth.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places both William of Guthrie and Master Alexander of Guthrie as burgesses of Perth in 1434.
• Shows them acting together as witnesses in a formal resignation of urban property connected with Arbroath Abbey.
• Master Alexander’s title indicates university-trained status (likely a graduate in arts or law).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 72 (Manuscript folio 83)

Date of the Entry 8 October (anno xxxviiiº – under Abbot Walter)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Willelmus de Guthry (William of Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Walterus, Abbot of Arbroath (presiding)
• Walterus de Tullawch (the claimant / heir)
• Walterus de Tullawch, miles (his grandfather, the last vest and seized)
• Domina Agnetis de Tullawch (whose death triggered the 16-year vacancy)
• Jurors: Dominus Patricius Lyoun, Alexander de Ouchtyrlowny, Willelmus de Ouchtyrlowny, Thomas de Blar, Ricardus Luwel, Alexander de Moreff, Dauid de Lychtoun, Henricus de Fethy, Johannes de Strathauchyn, Johannes de Carnegie, Dauid de Betoun, Duncanus de Conan, Johannes Scot, Johannes Knycht, Andreas Purwas, Willelmus Lyal, Johannes de Thorntoun, and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Inquisition (retour) taken at Carnconan concerning the lands of Tulloch (Tullawch) and Craquhy within the regality of Arbroath, to establish the rightful heir after a 16-year vacancy in the abbot’s hands.

Guthrie Role William of Guthrie served as one of the sworn jurors (iurati) on the inquest.

Modern English Translation Letter of the inquisition of the lands of Tulloch.

83 Inquisition made at Carnconan on the eighth day of the month of October in the year etc. the thirty-eighth, before … Walter … abbot … of Arbroath, by … lord Patrick Lyon, Alexander of Ouchterlony, William of Ouchterlony, Thomas of Blair, Richard Luwel, Alexander of Moray, David of Lichtoun, William of Guthrie, Henry of Fethy, John of Strachan, John of Carnegie, David of Beton, Duncan of Conan, John Scot, John Knight, Andrew Purves, William Lyell, and John of Thornton. Who being sworn say that … Walter of Tulloch, knight, grandfather of Walter of Tulloch, the bearer of these presents, died last vest and seized … of … the lands of Tulloch and of Craquhy on the south side of Vueny, excepting the mill and the lands pertaining to the same … within the regality of Arbroath; and that the said Walter is the lawful … heir … of the lord Walter … of the said lands … and that he is of lawful age; and the said lands now are worth yearly thirty-three pounds six shillings and eight pence, and in time of peace were worth ten pounds; and they are held in chief of … the abbot … by the service of personal presence at three courts … of the abbot and at more if need shall be if he is warned; and they have been in the hands … of the abbot … for the space of sixteen years by the death of lady Agnes of Tulloch and because the true heir did not pursue his right. Done and closed under the seal of the bailie and under the seals of certain of those who were present at the making of the said inquisition.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places William of Guthrie among the local landed men of sufficient standing to serve on a formal inquest within the regality of Arbroath.
• Confirms his continued activity in the 1430s alongside other Angus lairds and Abbey tenants.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 83 (Manuscript folio 99)

Date of the Entry 1 March 1453

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister David Guthre (Master David Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ricardus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Thomas Ogilvy de Clova (co-bailie)
• Robertus Masoun, burgess of Dundee (resigner of the annual rent)
• Dauid de Spaldyng junior, burgess of Dundee (recipient of sasine)
• Thomas Leys (neighbouring landholder)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Letter of appointment by the Abbot of Arbroath constituting Thomas Ogilvy of Clova and Master David Guthrie as his special bailies to receive the resignation of a 30-shilling annual rent in Dundee and to give sasine of it to David Spalding junior.

Guthrie Role Master David Guthrie is appointed (together with Thomas Ogilvy of Clova) as one of the Abbot’s bailies in this matter, authorised to receive the resignation and deliver sasine.

Modern English Translation Letter of the bailie for receiving 30 shillings of annual rent in Dundee.

99 Be it known to all … that we Richard … abbot … of Arbroath … have constituted … Thomas Ogilvy of Clova and Master David Guthrie our bailies in this part … to receive … in their hands … from Robert Mason, burgess of Dundee … the resignation … of one annual rent of thirty shillings owed to him … from our toft lying in the burgh of Dundee in St Mary’s Street on the south side of the same, between the common vennel commonly called Spalding’s Wynd on the west and the land of Thomas Leys on the east; and … we command you our bailies … that without delay you deliver sasine … of the said annual rent … to David of Spalding junior, burgess of Dundee, according to … the tenor of the charter of the said Robert Mason made thereupon to the foresaid David … Saving the right of anyone and the service due to us … Given under the seal … of the chapter … on the first day of the month of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and fifty-three.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Shows Master David Guthrie acting in an official capacity as a specially appointed bailie of the Abbot of Arbroath in 1453.
• Confirms his status as a trusted local figure (already styled “magister”) handling property transactions within the Abbey’s regality and in the burgh of Dundee.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 86–88 (Manuscript folio 104)

Date of the Entry 18 December 1455

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister David de Guthre (Master David of Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ricardus, Abbot of Arbroath (resigning)
• Magister Johannes Athilmer, professor of sacred theology and provost of the collegiate church of St Salvator in St Andrews (procurator for the abbot)
• Thomas de Driden, claustral subprior of Arbroath
• Other monks of the monastery
• Witnesses present: Magister Walterus Idill (canon of Aberdeen, notary), Alexander de Thorntoun (notary public), Thomas Dikisoun (bachelor in decrees), Robertus Stevyn (master of arts), Dominus Johannes Harwar (chaplain), Henricus Ramsay de Neutibbir, Willelmus de Baldowy, Andreas Brown, and Jacobus Bridi (notary)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the formal resignation of the abbacy of Arbroath by Abbot Richard, executed through his procurator Master John Athilmer in the chapter house, with mutual renunciations of conditions and a request for forgiveness for any shortcomings in administration.

Guthrie Role Master David of Guthrie was present among the named witnesses when the resignation was declared and the instrument drawn up.

Modern English Translation Resignation of the abbacy of Arbroath.

104 In the name of God, amen. By this … be it known that in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand four hundred and fifty-five, on the eighteenth day of the month of December, in the fourth indiction, in the first year of the pontificate of … lord Calixtus … pope the third, in the presence of … Thomas of Dryden, claustral subprior of the monastery of Arbroath … and of other … monks of the monastery in the chapter house before midday at the customary hour … and of me … and of the witnesses underwritten … there appeared the venerable and most learned man Master John Athilmer, professor of sacred theology and provost of the collegiate church of St Salvator within the city of St Andrews, procurator … of lord Richard … abbot … of Arbroath … as … appeared by a public instrument … Which instrument … having been publicly read by me … the same Master John … according to the tenor of the instrument … for certain … causes moving the mind … of the abbot … and concerning the state, convenience and honour of the said monastery, renounced all right … competent to the said venerable father in and to the said abbacy … and so far as he could of right resigned the same abbacy and the rule of the same into the hands of the said lord subprior … These things having been thus done … the said Master John … renounced all … conditions … entered into with any persons … before the date of these presents … and touching the present business … And conversely … the aforesaid Thomas the subprior in the name … of the convent then … renounced all … conditions … entered into by … the abbot … with any persons … before the date of the present instrument … and touching the present business … and all the … monks … renounced … After which declaration … the same Master John … moved by mercy and piety, shedding tears as it were and pouring them forth, proposed that if the said lord abbot in his time in the rule of the said abbacy exercised himself well, honestly and conveniently it was highly pleasing to him the abbot; and in so far as he had managed the public affairs of the said monastery badly, not attending carefully but more quickly neglecting the convenience and honour of the place out of carelessness, as he firmly knew he had daily perpetrated and done during the said time, led by penitence he sought from the said lord subprior and convent forgiveness and remission of such evil deeds committed; which they by unanimous consent graciously granted to him and cordially forgave him. Upon which … the lord subprior … sought … instruments. These things were done … in the presence there of … Masters Walter Idill, canon of Aberdeen, the underwritten notary; Alexander of Thornton, notary public; Thomas Dickinson, bachelor in decrees; Master David of Guthrie; Robert Stevin, master of arts; lord John Harwar, chaplain; Henry Ramsay of Newtibber; William of Baldovy of the same; and Andrew Brown … And I James Bride … notary … was present at the premises … and took them into note and therefrom made this present public instrument with my own hand … signed with my usual and customary sign and name together with the subscription and sign of the underwritten lord notary … And I Walter Idill, canon of the church of Aberdeen, public notary by imperial authority, etc.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places Master David of Guthrie as a witness of standing at the formal resignation of the abbacy of Arbroath in December 1455.
• Confirms his continued activity and recognized status (“magister”) in the mid-1450s within the circle of the Abbey and local clergy/notaries.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 92–93 (Manuscript folio 109)

Date of the Entry 7 November 1457

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister David Guthre de Kyncaldrum (Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum)
• Jacobus de Guthre (James of Guthrie), his brother

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Malcolmus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Willelmus de Vldeny de eodem (William of Udny)
• Witnesses present: Willelmus de Ochtirlovny, lord of Kelly; Walterus Stewart, lord of Munes; Patricius de Gardyn de eodem; Ricardus de Kyntor, burgess of Aberdeen; Thomas Brown; Thomas Romsoun; and many others
• Notary: David Rede

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording William of Udny’s recognition, based on earlier perambulation documents, that certain disputed lands between Tarves and Udny belonged to Arbroath Abbey, followed by his perpetual renunciation and quitclaim of all claim in those lands to Abbot Malcolm and the convent.

Guthrie Role Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum and his brother James of Guthrie were present as witnesses when William of Udny made the recognition and quitclaim in the chamber of the tolbooth of Aberdeen.

Modern English Translation Perambulation between the lands of Tarves and Udny.

109 In the name of God, amen. By this … be it known … that in the year from the Incarnation of the same one thousand four hundred and fifty-seven, on the seventh day of the month of November, in the sixth indiction, in the third year of the pontificate of … lord Calixtus … pope the third, in the presence of me … and of the witnesses underwritten … William of Udny of that ilk … recognized that he had truly understood by inspection … of certain letters … of divers … persons formerly upon an assize of perambulation before the justiciar of our lord the king in time by virtue of a brieve of perambulation proceeding upon the perambulation … of the marches between the lands of Udny then pertaining to his predecessor Patrick of Udny of that ilk … and the lands of Tarves then … to Walter … abbot … of Arbroath … that all the debatable lands between the said parties which by his predecessors and himself were claimed to belong to him as lands of Udny … belonged to the abbot and convent … by the decree … of the said assize according to the marches contained in their letters … and at present belong to them in full right and not to him as the other lands of Tarves are known to belong; wherefore … for the avoiding of the peril of his soul and of the souls of his predecessors and successors because of their demerits toward God, the abbots and convent of the said monastery in the debatable question of the foresaid lands unjustly perpetrated in times past … he has utterly renounced all claim … of the same for himself and his heirs forever … to Malcolm … abbot … and has quitclaimed … the said lands … Upon which … Malcolm the abbot … sought a public instrument to be made for himself and the convent by me the underwritten public notary. These things were done in the chamber of the tolbooth of the burgh of Aberdeen about the hour of midday … in the presence of … William of Ouchterlony, lord of Kelly; Walter Stewart, lord of Munes; Patrick of Gardyne of that ilk; Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum; James of Guthrie his brother; Richard of Kintore, burgess of Aberdeen; Thomas Brown; and Thomas Romsoun; with many others … And I David Rede … notary was present at the premises … and took them into note and therefore the present … instrument written with my hand … I have signed with my sign and name … together with the appending of the seal of the foresaid William of Udny and his manual subscription … William of Udny with his own hand.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Explicitly identifies Master David Guthrie as “of Kincaldrum” in 1457.
• Confirms that James of Guthrie was his brother and present with him on the same occasion.
• Shows both men active in Aberdeen in the circle of the Abbot of Arbroath and local landowners.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 95–97 (Manuscript folio 112)

Date of the Entry 6 February 1457

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister David Guthre de Kincaldrum, vicecomes de Forfar (Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, Sheriff of Forfar)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Robertus le Grame de Aldemuntros and Johannes Scrymgeour, constable of Dundee, knights (justiciars north of the Forth)
• Malcolmus, Abbot of Arbroath (party)
• Johannes, Abbot of Lindores; David Red, burgess of Edinburgh; Magister Alexander de Thorntoun and Thomas Dekysoun (commissaries of the Abbot)
• Laurencius de Balbyrny, provost of Forfar; Jacobus Rynde de Cas; Dominus Jacobus Dekysoun, chaplain (commissaries of the burgh of Forfar)
• Assize: Walterus Ogilvy de Bevfort, Willelmus de Ouchtirlovny de Kelly, Walterus Ogilvy de Innerquharady, David Demstar de Caraldstoun, David Rossy, Alexander Cravmund de Melgond, Jacobus Scrymgeour, Andreas Moncur, Michael Durem de le Grange de Monesfuth, Henricus Ramsay de Newtibir, Robertus Fowlartoun de Dunovn, Archibaldus Ramsay de Dunown, David Oliuer de Gagy, Johannes Malveyn de Difart, Johannes Carneg de eodem, and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Record of a formal perambulation of the marches between the lands of Ouchterlony / Craquhy (belonging to Arbroath Abbey) and the Kingismure (belonging to the burgh of Forfar), carried out under a royal brieve of perambulation.

Guthrie Role Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, as Sheriff of Forfar, was ordered to proclaim the newly fixed marches so that no one should remove or destroy the boundary markers under penalty, and that both parties should firmly observe them thereafter.

Modern English Translation Perambulation made between the lands of Ouchterlony and Forfar.

112 To all … Robert le Graham of Aldmontrose and John Scrymgeour, constable of Dundee, knights, justiciars … of the king on the north side of the water of Forth in this part … specially constituted … greeting. Since it is pious and meritorious to bear faithful testimony to the truth … we have thought fit to certify to your university … that on Monday, namely the sixth day of the month of February in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and fifty-seven, upon the lands of Ouchterlony and Craquhy belonging … to the abbot … of Arbroath and the muir which is commonly called the Kingismure belonging to the burgesses and community of the burgh of Forfar lying within the sheriffdom of Forfar, there appeared before us John … abbot … of Lindores, David Red, burgess of Edinburgh, Masters Alexander of Thornton and Thomas Dickinson, commissaries … of Malcolm … abbot … of Arbroath then present … on the one part, and Laurence of Balbirnie, provost of the burgh of Forfar, James Rynde of Cas, and lord James Dickinson, chaplain, commissaries of the foresaid burgh … on the other part. And the foresaid David the commissary in the name aforesaid first having read the power of our office aforesaid to us presented a brieve of perambulation of the chapel … of the king issued upon a perambulation to be made between … the marches of the lands of Ouchterlony and Craquhy … instantly requiring us that we would deign to make due execution of the said brieve on the said day … as in the last circuit of the justiciary … of the king held before … John, lord Lindsay of the Byres, justiciar … of the king on the north side of the water of Forth generally constituted at the burgh of Dundee by … the chancellor … of the king … it was ordained … We therefore … the foresaid brieve having been read by our command in the presence of the foresaid parties, no legitimate impediment intervening … have therefore taken care to proceed to the execution of the same. Wherefore an assize of barons and freeholders underwritten was elected for the said perambulation to be made by the tenor of the said brieve and was sworn, the reasons … of both parties … having been heard by our command, proceeded; whose names of the assize follow … [list of assize members] … Which assize … perambulated the foresaid … marches in this manner: Beginning namely towards the south at a great stone set for a boundary on the west side of the great ford commonly called the Cowfurde where the royal muir and the land … of the abbot … and the land of Lour meet together; and so ascending towards the north by divers marches set by the same assize on the west side of the cultivated land which is commonly called the Furdhil of Craquhy as far as a certain stone commonly called the Porkstane; and so ascending from the said stone also towards the north by other marches as far as the burn in the Gavirlydene; and so ascending towards the west and keeping the foresaid burn for a march until it comes to the West Burn commonly called Cardynis Well; and so ascending towards the north by other marches also set by the same assize until it comes only to the royal road which leads from Ouchterlony to Forfar. Which perambulation … having been made, we caused it to be proclaimed by our office through Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, sheriff of Forfar … that no one should remove or destroy the foresaid marches … under every penalty … and that the said parties should henceforth firmly observe them … In witness of which truth our seals together with the seals of certain of the foresaid barons and freeholders of the assize are appended to the presents for the clearer testimony …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Explicitly styles Master David Guthrie as Sheriff of Forfar (vicecomes de Forfar) in February 1457.
• Shows him exercising the ordinary duties of the shrievalty by proclaiming the results of a royal perambulation within his jurisdiction.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 114 (Manuscript folio 130)

Date of the Entry 18 July 1460

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Malcolmus, Abbot of Arbroath (the party making the recognition; cross-referenced to instrument No. 106)
• Witnesses present: Gilbertus Stewart, Valterus Stewart, Thomas Browne, Patricius Hoy
• Notary: Alexander Thorntoun

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument of recognition (cross-referenced to a fuller instrument numbered 106 in the register) executed at Bucht.

Guthrie Role James Guthrie was present as one of the named witnesses.

Modern English Translation Bucht. Instrument of recognition.

130 In the name of God, amen. By this … be it known that in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord 1460, on the eighteenth day of the month of July, in the eighth indiction, in the second year of the pontificate of … lord Pius … pope the second, in the presence of me … and of the witnesses underwritten, personally constituted … Malcolm … [etc. as above in No. 106] … These things were done at Bucht … in the presence of … Gilbert Stewart, Walter Stewart, James Guthrie, Thomas Browne, and Patrick Hoy …

And I Alexander Thornton … notary was present at the premises … etc. See the instrument.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places James Guthrie as a witness at Bucht in July 1460 in the company of the Abbot of Arbroath and local men (Stewarts, Brown, Hoy).
• Short cross-reference entry; the fuller details of the recognition itself are in the preceding instrument No. 106.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 140–141 (Manuscript folio 159)

Date of the Entry 11 August 1464

Guthrie(s) Identified

• William of Guthre, alderman of the burgh of Forfar

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Laurence of Lowthian and William Richardsoun (bailies of Forfar)
• The whole community of the burgh of Forfar
• The Abbot and Convent of Arbroath (and their tenants of Ouchterlony and Craquhy)

Original Document Language Middle Scots

Purpose Formal recognition and ratification by the alderman, bailies and community of Forfar of the Abbot and Convent of Arbroath’s rights and freedoms in the King’s Muir (Kingismure), following earlier disputes over its occupation by the Abbey’s tenants; the burgh binds itself to defend the Abbey’s possession of the common.

Guthrie Role William of Guthrie appears as Alderman (chief magistrate) of Forfar and is the first-named party issuing the instrument on behalf of the burgh.

Modern English Translation 159 Be it made known to all … us William of Guthrie, alderman of the burgh of Forfar, Laurence of Lothian and William Richardson, bailies, and the whole community of the same, after divers vexations and troubles made by us to the abbot and convent of Arbroath and their tenants and inhabitants of Ouchterlony and Craquhy concerning the occupation of the King’s Muir by the said tenants as in common to them as in several pasture and other things belonging in common to them …

have seen and considered the said abbot’s and convent’s charters, evidents and infeftments of kings of the freedoms of the said lands with long possession and use having of such freedoms in the said King’s Muir to this day. We the said alderman, bailies and community, duly gathered in our tolbooth, repeatedly advised and carefully counselled with special licence of our sovereign lord the king under his wax in authentic writing, ratify … the … occupation of the said King’s Muir by the said tenants of Craquhy and Ouchterlony as lawful and rightful … Moreover if any man of our community or others would … disturb the said abbot and convent … in the enjoyment of the said common … we … oblige ourselves … to … defend the said abbot and convent … in the enjoyment of the said common … In witness of the which thing our common seal is hung to these presents … the eleventh day of the month of August … a thousand four hundred sixty and four years.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies William of Guthrie as Alderman of Forfar in 1464.
• Shows him leading the burgh in formally resolving a long-standing dispute with Arbroath Abbey over common rights in the King’s Muir and binding the community to protect the Abbey’s possession.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 141–143 (Manuscript folio 160)

Date of the Entry 22 November 1464

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Ricardus Guthre, sacre theologie professor (Master Richard Guthrie, professor of sacred theology)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Willelmus Petinwyn, subprior of Arbroath (who delivered the schedule)
• Johannes Graham, prior of the Friars Preachers of St Andrews (co-commissary)
• King James III and James, Bishop of St Andrews (who issued the commission)
• Assize members: Johannes Ogistoun (apparent heir of the lord of Ogistoun), Patricius Gardyn, Thomas Ogistoun, Henricus Fethy de Ballifak, Johannes Strangis (king’s macer), Willelmus Scot, Walterus Leys, Johannes Fermour (burgesses of Arbroath), Alexander Peblis, Walterus Buchart, Johannes Durward, Thomas Ramsay, Johannes Huntar, Willelmus Stephani (parishioners of various parishes), Magister Johannes Clerk (rector of Logie), Magister Alexander Thorntoun (vicar of Nigg), Magister Johannes Fordys (vicar of Garvock), Dominus Johannes Harvar (vicar of Banchory-Ternan), Dominus Ricardus Bennat (vicar of Arbroath), Dominus Dauid Bullok (chaplain), Magister Thomas Dekysoun (bachelor in decrees)
• Notary: Alexander Thorntoun

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Inquisition into the status, foundation, revenues and management of the almonry house (domus elimosinaria) and the Spitalfield of Arbroath Abbey, taken by royal and episcopal commissaries.

Guthrie Role Master Richard Guthrie, professor of sacred theology, served as one of the two commissaries (together with the Dominican prior of St Andrews) who summoned the assize, administered the oath, and conducted the inquisition on behalf of the King and the Bishop of St Andrews.

Modern English Translation Inquisition made concerning the almonry house.

160 In the name of the Lord, amen. By this … be it known that in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand four hundred and sixty-four, on the twenty-second day of the month of November, in the thirteenth indiction, in the first year of the pontificate of … Paul … pope the second … William Petinwyn, subprior … of Arbroath … delivered to me … a certain paper schedule … of which … the tenor … is as follows: Inquisition made at Arbroath in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and sixty-four on the twenty-second day of the month of November … upon the almonry house and the Spitalfield by … Master Richard Guthrie, professor of sacred theology [and] … John Graham, prior of the Friars Preachers … of St Andrews, commissaries … of King James the third and … James … bishop of St Andrews … They caused the underwritten assize to be cited and sworn … Names of the assize: [full list] … There follow the articles: First article – whether the almonry house is of the foundation of the king, the bishop or another lord or of the abbot and convent. Item what is the nature of the foundation and by what king or lord and to what end the house was founded. Item whether they know of letters of foundation or have heard of them. Item whether they have seen any poor persons sustained in the foresaid house or have heard. Item whether there are any rents annexed to the foresaid house and how many and what they are. Item whether those rents have been removed, dismembered or alienated from the foresaid house. Item what is to be understood concerning the Spitalfield and the chapel of St John. Item of what quality is the master and in what manner the house is governed and furnished inwardly and outwardly. Item why the foresaid almonry house is situated outside the monastery with chapel, barn, garden, court and great house. Item what is to be understood concerning the popular rumour that the almonry house of Arbroath was founded in equal possessions with the bishopric of Brechin.

To the first article, namely concerning the foundation of the almonry house … they say that such a house exists but of the foundation they are completely ignorant. Item to the second … they say that they are ignorant of this; but they say that they have such a house as other monasteries have, in which house the weak and poor are sustained daily from the remains and fragments of the tables of the abbot and convent. Item concerning letters of foundation they know nothing. Item concerning the rents of the said house they know nothing except of one garden and one croft. Item concerning the Spitalfield they say that they do not know the said land to be distinct from the property of the monastery, but they say that the almoner monk receives yearly two merks from that land. Item the almoner is a monk of the said monastery removed and elected at the will of the abbot and convent. Item the said house is competently built and the chapel well furnished. Item why the said house and chapel are built outside the monastery they say that they do not know the cause except that it so pleased the builders. Item concerning the public rumour that the said house was equal in possessions to the bishopric of Brechin they say that they have never known this nor heard it from prudent or authentic persons. Item concerning all things they refer themselves to the letters of foundation of the said monastery. Upon which … brother William sought … an instrument to be made for himself by me … These things were done … in the hall of the abbot … in the presence of … Master Richard Guthrie, professor of sacred theology … John Graham, the foresaid prior … Master John Clerk, rector of Logie; Patrick Gardyn of that ilk; and Master Thomas Dickinson, bachelor in decrees … Alexander Thornton … notary …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies Master Richard Guthrie as a professor of sacred theology acting as a royal and episcopal commissary in 1464.
• Demonstrates his standing as a trusted university-trained cleric employed on official inquiries into the internal affairs of Arbroath Abbey.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 159–160 (Manuscript folio 180)

Date of the Entry 1469 (indiction 2, 5th year of Pope Paul II; exact day not stated in the visible text)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthyn (John Guthyn / Guthrie), notary

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Malcolmus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Johannes Ogistone, Sheriff of Aberdeen (presiding)
• Witnesses present: Ranaldo Chen, Johanne Pytmethane (lord of that ilk), Magister Alexandro Waus (prebendary of Dulmayok and official of Aberdeen), Alexandro Chaumer (provost of Aberdeen), Ricardo Kyntor, Alexandro Blyndsel, Dauid Symonis, Alexandro Howysoun (burgesses of Aberdeen), and many others
• Co-notary: Robertus Leis

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial transumpt (official authenticated copy) of earlier perambulation documents concerning the marches between the lands of Tarves and Udny, produced before the Sheriff of Aberdeen at the request of Abbot Malcolm so that the copies might have the same legal force as the originals.

Guthrie Role John Guthyn acted as one of the two notaries who authenticated the instrument.

Modern English Translation Perambulation between the lands of Tarves and Udny.

180 In the name of God, amen. By this … be it known … that in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand four hundred and sixty-nine, in the second indiction, in the fifth year of the pontificate of … Paul … pope the second, before … John Ogistone, sheriff of Aberdeen, sitting for judgment … Malcolm … abbot … of Arbroath … presented certain letters written on parchment: one namely of a certain land-perambulation sealed with seven seals of certain lords … hanging in white wax impressed with red, and another letter in the form of a public instrument subscribed by the notary … David Rede and sealed with the seal … of William of Udny hanging in white wax impressed with red … and delivered them to me the notary … to be copied … entreating the judge … that he would deign to discern a transumpt … for him in form of law. Which letters … by command … of the judge … I read … under this tenor: Controversy [etc. as above in No. 53] … There follows the tenor of the other letter … in this manner: In the name of God, amen [etc. as above in No. 109] … After the examination of which letters … the same sheriff and judge in this part interposed his authority and decreed that as full faith should be given to this present transumpt … as to its originals … in sign of which he caused his seal … to be affixed together with the appending of the seals of the officialate of Aberdeen and of the community of the burgh of Aberdeen by … father Malcolm the foresaid … procurators … Upon which … Malcolm the abbot … sought instruments. These things were done in the tolbooth of the foresaid burgh of Aberdeen in the court of the sheriff of the same about the tenth hour before midday … in the presence of … Ranald Chen; John Pitmedden, lord of that ilk; Master Alexander Waus, prebendary of Dulmaik in the cathedral church of Aberdeen and official of the same; Alexander Chalmer, provost of the burgh of Aberdeen; Richard Kintore; Alexander Blindsel; David Symon; and Alexander Howison, burgesses of the said burgh; with many others …

Robert Leis … notary … John Guthyn … notary …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Documents John Guthyn acting in a professional capacity as a notary public in Aberdeen in 1469.
• He authenticated a transumpt of the 1457 Tarves–Udny instrument in which Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum and James Guthrie had earlier appeared as witnesses. No relationship between the notary and those individuals is stated in the text.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 174 (Manuscript folio 196)

Date of the Entry 13 May 1476

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid Herice de Dery, bailie depute of the regality of Arbroath
• Dompnus Johannes Tody, chaplain (son and heir of the late Simon Tody, burgess of Arbroath) – resigner
• Willelmus Broster – recipient of sasine
• Witnesses: Willelmus Baldowy de eodem, Alexander Baldowy (his son and apparent heir), Dompnus Johannes Harwar (vicar of Banchory, notary), and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Sasine of a tenement lying near the monastery of Arbroath, between the lands of the Abbey fabric on the east and the common vennel leading to the water of Brothock on the west, given by the bailie depute of the regality after resignation by Dompnus John Tody in favour of William Broster.

Guthrie Role James Guthrie appears as one of the named witnesses to the resignation and giving of sasine.

Modern English Translation Charter of a tenement near the fabric in the Almonry.

196 To all … David Herice of Dery, bailie depute of the regality of the lordship of Arbroath, greeting … I make known to your universities that on the thirteenth day of the month of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and seventy-six I went … to … a tenement lying near the monastery of Arbroath between the lands of the fabric of the said monastery on the east … and the common vennel leading to the water of Brothock on the west … and there on the same day appeared … Dompnus John Tody, chaplain, son and heir of the late Simon Tody, burgess of Arbroath, which Dompnus … resigned the said tenement … into my hands … by reason of a certain contract entered into [and] made between the same Dompnus John and a certain William Broster. Which resignation thus made … I … by … mandate … of the abbot … gave sasine and heritable state of the said tenement … to William Broster … saving the right of anyone and according to the tenor of the charter of the said John … In witness whereof my seal is appended to the presents … the witnesses being William Baldovy of that ilk, Alexander Baldovy his son and apparent heir, Dompnus John Harwar, vicar of Banchory, notary, James Guthrie, with divers others.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places James Guthrie as a witness in Arbroath in May 1476 at a routine regality sasine of urban property near the Abbey.
• Continues the pattern of Guthries appearing in local legal transactions connected with the Abbey’s regality.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 181–182 (Manuscript folio 207)

Date of the Entry 30 March 1480 (penultimate day of March)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie), then bailie of the burgh of Arbroath

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgeus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Dauid Alansoun, burgess of Dundee (grantee)
• Duncanus Buchan (neighbouring landholder)
• Witnesses to the giving of sasine: Dominus Dauid Bois (subprior of the monastery), Thomas Herchas, Robertus Cuby (monks), Alexander Symsoun, Georgeus Bois, Johannes Hethyn, Johannes Kawell, Johannes Quhyt, Johannes Smert, Andreas Knycht, Willelmus Scot (serjeant of the burgh of Arbroath), and many others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Feu-charter of a house belonging to the Abbey lying in the burgh of Arbroath in the street called Cobgat (Cobgate), on the west side, between the lands of Duncan Buchan on the north and south, granted to David Alansoun, burgess of Dundee, for an annual rent of 13s. 4d. plus the burgh ferm.

Guthrie Role James Guthrie, acting in his capacity as bailie of the burgh of Arbroath, gave sasine (real possession) of the house to David Alansoun on the instructions of the Abbot and Convent.

Modern English Translation Charter of a tenement and house in the Cobgate of Arbroath.

207 To all … George … abbot … of Arbroath, greeting … Know that we … have set in feu … to David Alansoun, burgess of Dundee … one house … belonging to us lying in the burgh of Arbroath in the street which is called Cobgat on the west side of the same between the land of Duncan Buchan on the north side of the same … and the land of the said Duncan on the south side of the same … To be held … in fee and heritage forever … Rendering … thirteen shillings and four pence of annual rent of the usual money of the kingdom of Scotland and the ferm of the burgh due therefrom … at the two customary terms of the year … where it was formerly paid, except ten shillings for the ferm of the said house … for all other burden … At our monastery … on the penultimate day of the month of March in the year of Our Lord 1480. Moreover for the greater … security … of the charter … the abbot and convent caused the foresaid David … to be vested … in … possession of the foresaid house … by James Guthrie, then bailie of the said burgh, before these witnesses, namely: lord David Bois, subprior of the said monastery; Thomas Herchas; Robert Cuby, monks of the monastery; Alexander Symson; George Bois; John Hethyn; John Kawell; John White; John Smart; Andrew Knight; and William Scot, serjeant of the burgh of Arbroath; with many others …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Explicitly identifies James Guthrie as bailie of the burgh of Arbroath in March 1480.
• Shows him performing the official act of giving sasine on behalf of the Abbey within the burgh.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 182 (Manuscript folio 208)

Date of the Entry 21 May 1481

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthery de eodem (Alexander Guthrie of that ilk)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgeus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Alexander Irvyn de Drum (the vassal doing homage for Forglen)
• Witnesses: Johannes Ogilwy, Jacobo Lesly, Johanne Fothringham, Alexander Simonis (notary public), and divers others
• Notaries: Robertus Leis, Thomas Strauthauchin

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument recording that Alexander Irvine of Drum, after inspection of the earlier charters of the lands of Forglen, was received by Abbot George as tenant of those lands, did homage on bended knee, and was bound (together with the other tenants of the regality) to ride to the king’s army under the Brecbennach (the Abbey’s banner).

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of that ilk was present as one of the named witnesses when Irvine of Drum performed homage for Forglen.

Modern English Translation Confirmation of the lands of Forglen.

208 In the name of God, amen. By this … be it known … that in the year from the Incarnation of the Lord 1481, on the 21st day of the month of May, in the 14th indiction, in the 10th year of the pontificate of … Sixtus … pope the fourth, before … George … abbot … of Arbroath … there appeared the noble man Alexander Irvine of Drum, the charters … and muniments of the … lands of Forglen made to the predecessors of the said Alexander having been seen, read and fully understood … for which lands of Forglen … the abbot, the superior lord of the said lands, the right of the same Alexander in and to the said lands … having been considered … after mature consultation with men skilled in the law … received the same Alexander as his tenant of the lands … of Forglen … according to the tenor … of the charters … for which lands also the said Alexander Irvine did homage on bended knees with corporal oath prest to the said abbot with joined hands as the custom is … Moreover … the abbot … appointed that the tenants of the regality … of Arbroath … with the said Alexander shall go and ride to the army … of the king under the Brecbennach, namely under the banner … of the abbot … whenever they shall be required … for the defence of the king and the kingdom … These things were done at Torre in the chapel of the same about the second hour or thereabouts after midday … In the presence of … Alexander Guthrie of that ilk; John Ogilvy; James Leslie; John Fothringham; and Alexander Simon, notary public; with divers others …

Robert Leis … notary … Thomas Strachan … notary …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Explicitly styles Alexander Guthrie as “of that ilk” in May 1481.
• Places him as a witness of standing at the formal reception of Irvine of Drum as tenant of the important lands of Forglen (linked to the Brecbennach).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 186–187 (Manuscript folio 212)

Date of the Entry 18 September 1482

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthery de eodem (Alexander Guthrie of that ilk)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Willelmus, Abbot of Arbroath
• Dominus Thomas Harkas (subprior), Robertus Cuby (sacristan), Johannes Driburgh (cellarer), Robertus Gray (monks)
• Alexander Simsoun (procurator for the abbot and convent)
• Magister Patricius Mackullouch, vicar of Arbroath (the other party)
• Witnesses: Magister Johannes Listoun (provost of the college of St Salvator in St Andrews), Magister Thomas Dikyson
• Notary: Robertus Lorymar

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording an agreement whereby Master Patrick McCulloch, while he remains pensionary vicar of Arbroath, is to receive yearly from the Abbot and Convent five merks for his counsel and assistance, together with provisions for board when on Abbey business and expenses when travelling.

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of that ilk was present as one of the named witnesses when the agreement was concluded in St Andrews.

Modern English Translation Instrument of the fee of Master Patrick McCulloch.

212 In the name of God, amen. By this … be it known … that in the year from the divine nativity 1482, on the 18th day of the month of September, in the 15th indiction, in the 12th year of the pontificate of … Sixtus … pope the fourth … William … abbot of Arbroath … and lords Thomas Harkas, subprior; Robert Cuby, sacristan; John Dryburgh, cellarer; Robert Gray, monks … and Alexander Simpson in the name of procurator of the abbot and convent of the same on the one part, and Master Patrick McCulloch, vicar of Arbroath, on the other part … have agreed in the manner and form following, namely: That … Master Patrick shall have yearly from the said abbot and convent, for as long as he shall be pensionary vicar of the said church, for his counsels and assistances given and to be given to the said place, five merks of the usual money of the kingdom of Scotland; and in case the said Master Patrick shall make his residence elsewhere than at the said vicarage he shall nevertheless have the foresaid five merks yearly from the goods of the favourers and for his counsels to be expended; and when he shall be on the business of the place in the place he shall have food and drink; and when he shall be burdened outside the place he shall have fitting expenses. And both of the said parties have promised … to observe the premises … saving nevertheless the right of the predecessors and successors of the said vicar in the event of non-observance of the premises as is premised, to be pursued in place and time opportune … These things were done in the chamber … of Master David Monypenny, canon of Moray, at St Andrews about the third hour after midday or thereabouts … in the presence of … Master John Liston, provost of the college of St Salvator within the city of St Andrews; Alexander Guthrie of that ilk; and Master Thomas Dickinson …

Robert Lorimer … notary …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Again styles Alexander Guthrie as “of that ilk” in September 1482.
• Places him as a witness in St Andrews at an internal financial agreement of Arbroath Abbey.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 195–197 (Manuscript folio 223)

Date of the Entry 20 October 1483

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie) – juror
• Domina de Guthre (the lady of Guthrie) – neighbouring landholder

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Nycholayus Hornar, bailie of Arbroath (presiding)
• Katerina, widow of the late Walter Gardin and mother of Helen Gardyn (the deceased whose lands are being retourd)
• Helena Gardyn (the heir)
• Jurors: Thomas Smart, Thomas Hornar, Thomas Tiry, Johannes Ferrour, Dauid Clark, Karolus Brown, Johannes Cumyn, Johannes Grant, Robertus Scot, Duncanus Buchan, Alexander Nycholsoun, Patricius Panitar, Willelmus Dauisoun, Alexander Mar, and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Inquisition (retour) taken in the burgh of Arbroath to establish that Helen Gardyn is the lawful and nearest heir of her late mother Katherine (widow of Walter Gardyn) in the third part of certain tenements and annual rents within the burgh, and to record the extent, value and tenure of those subjects.

Guthrie Role

• James Guthrie served as one of the sworn jurors on the inquest.
• The “lady of Guthrie” is named as the owner of the land lying immediately to the east of one of the pieces of land under inquisition (in the Aldmarcatgate).

Modern English Translation Letter of the inquisition of divers lands within the burgh of Arbroath.

223 This inquisition made at Arbroath on the twentieth day of the month of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and eighty-three before Nicholas Horner, bailie … of Arbroath, by … James Guthrie, Thomas Smart, Thomas Horner, Thomas Tiry, John Ferrour, David Clark, Charles Brown, John Cumming, John Grant, Robert Scot, Duncan Buchan, Alexander Nicholson, Patrick Paniter, William Davidson, and Alexander Mar. Who being sworn say that Katherine, wife of the late Walter Gardyn and mother of Helen Gardyn, the bearer of these presents, died last vest and seized … of one piece of land lying in the foresaid burgh in [the street] which is called Mylgate on the north side of the same street between the land of Andrew Scot on the west … and the land of Laurence Segait on the east … Item of one piece of land lying in the said burgh in the said street and on the same side between the land of Laurence Segait on either side. Item of one piece of land lying in the Aldmarcatgate on the south side of the same between the land of William Davidson on the west … and the land of the lady of Guthrie on the east … [further pieces of land and annual rents are listed] … And that the said Helen Gardyn is the lawful and nearer heir of the said late Katherine Conane her mother in the third part of the foresaid lands and annual rents above written … And that … she is of lawful age. And that the said third part of the foresaid lands is now worth one merk and was worth only so much in time of peace; the value of the annual rent by itself appears. And that the said lands and annual rents are held of … the abbot … in chief by burgage service. And that the said third part of the lands … together with the third part … of the foresaid rents has been in the hands … of the abbot by reason of non-entry of the heirs until the present day since the death of Walter Gardyn, spouse of the foresaid Katherine Conane, who Walter was the possessor … of the lands and … rents by the right of the matrimonial contract entered into between the said Walter and Katherine … Given under the seal of the foresaid bailie together with the seals of Thomas Smart, Charles Brown, and Robert Scot who were present at the said inquisition.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places James Guthrie as a juror in a burgh inquest at Arbroath in October 1483.
• Records the existence of a “lady of Guthrie” (domina de Guthre) holding property in the Aldmarcatgate of Arbroath at the same date, indicating a female Guthrie landholder within the burgh.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 286–287 (Manuscript folio 349)

Date of the Entry 23 July 1494

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Willelmus Guthre de Kynblaithmont (William Guthrie of Kinblethmont)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes Ogilwy, baron of Fyngask, bailie of the regality of Arbroath (presiding)
• Alexander Irwyn de Drwm (the heir / claimant)
• The late Alexander Irwyn de Drwm (his father, the last vest and seized)
• Jurors: Thomas, lord Innermeith; Thomas Ogilwy, knight; Jacobus Giffert; Dauid Rossy (son and apparent heir of David Rossy of that ilk); Oliverus Ogilwy; Alexander Baldewy de eodem; Dauid Barklay; Duncanus Lychtone; Jacobus Ramsay de Balnele; Dauid Fethy; Dauid Dowglace; Jacobus Dowglace; Johannes Brovn; Johannes Vatsone

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Inquisition (retour) taken at Arbroath to establish that Alexander Irvine of Drum is the lawful heir of his late father in the lands of Forglen (with the right of patronage of the church) held of the Abbot of Arbroath within the regality, and to record the extent, value, tenure and the period of non-entry.

Guthrie Role William Guthrie of Kinblethmont served as one of the sworn jurors on the inquest.

Modern English Translation Inquisition of Alexander Irvine concerning the lands of Forglen.

349 This inquisition made at the burgh of Arbroath in the lodging … of James, lord Ogilvy of Airlie, before … John Ogilvy, baron of Fyngask, bailie of the regality of Arbroath, on the twenty-third day of the month of July in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and ninety-four, by … Thomas, lord Innermeath; Thomas Ogilvy, knight; James Gifford; David Rossy, son and apparent heir of David Rossy of that ilk; Oliver Ogilvy; Alexander Baldovy of that ilk; William Guthrie of Kinblethmont; David Barclay; Duncan Lichtoun; James Ramsay of Balneaves; David Fethy; David Douglas; James Douglas; John Brown; and John Watson. Who being sworn say that the late Alexander Irvine of Drum, father of Alexander Irvine the bearer of these presents, died … seized … of the lands of Forglen … in the regality of Arbroath within the sheriffdom of Banff, together with the advowson of the right of patronage of the church of Forglen … and that … Alexander is the lawful … heir of the same late Alexander … and that he is of lawful age; and that the said lands are now worth yearly twenty pounds and in time of peace twenty merks; and that the said lands with the right of patronage … are held of … the abbot … of Arbroath in chief. Rendering … forty shillings … of the money … of Scotland at the feasts of Pentecost and St Martin … and doing in the army … of the king the service of the Brecbennach … only … saving … to the abbot … wards, reliefs, homages and other services … due … and that the said lands with the right of patronage … have been in the hands … of the abbot … for the space of eight months or thereabouts by the death of the said late Alexander Irvine by reason of non-entry of the true heir not pursuing his right. In faith of which … the seals of certain who were present at the said inquisition together with the seal of the said John Ogilvy the bailie … are appended.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies William Guthrie as “of Kinblethmont” in July 1494.
• Places him among the local landed men serving on a formal inquest within the regality of Arbroath concerning the important holding of Forglen.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 289–292 (Manuscript folio 354)

Date of the Entry 28 November 1495 (preceding related courts: 3 October and 31 October 1495)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Schir Alexander Guthre of that ilk, knycht (Sir Alexander Guthrie of that ilk, knight)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Andrew, Lord Gray, Sheriff of Forfar (presiding)
• The Abbot and Convent of Arbroath
• Symon Banerman of Elsyk (and his associates)
• Assize on 28 November 1495: James Scrimgeour, constable of Dundee; John Ogilwy of Fingask; John Ogilwy of Innerquharity; James Ouchtirlowny of that ilk; Nichol of Fothringhame of Powry; Thomas Mawl of Panmure; Alexander Annand of Melgound; Walter Lychtone of Vlishawyn; Alexander Baldowy of that ilk; Master John Scrimgeour; Wilyam Lyddale of Panlathe; Huchone Achlek of that ilk; Robert Strathachin of Balhussy; Wat of Ogilwy; Wilyame Maxwale of Tellin; Thomas Blair of Bathiok; Henry Lwale of Ballumby; James Heryng of Cluny

Original Document Language Middle Scots (with Latin headings and authentication)

Purpose Extracts from the sheriff court books of Forfar recording the progress and final determination of a dispute over the south side of Balnamonismyre (claimed by the Abbot and Convent of Arbroath and occupied by Symon Banerman of Elsyk and others). The court ultimately delivered possession to the Abbot and Convent.

Guthrie Role Sir Alexander Guthrie of that ilk, knight, served as one of the sworn assize (jury) members in the sheriff court held at Dundee on 28 November 1495 that decided the cause.

Modern English Translation (Summary of the relevant section)

Sheriff court of Forfar held in the tolbooth of the burgh of Dundee by the noble and potent lord Andrew, Lord Gray, sheriff of Forfar, on the 28th day of the month of November in the year of Our Lord 1495 …

Assize sworn for inquests and other acts: James Scrimgeour, constable of Dundee; Sir Alexander Guthrie of that ilk, knight; John Ogilvy of Fingask; John Ogilvy of Inverquharity; James Ouchterlony of that ilk; … [full list] …

In which court the abbot and a part of the convent of Arbroath appeared and asked deliverance of the matter of Balnamonismyre continued to this court … And then the sheriff caused the said Symon Banerman to be called to show his evidents and rights … And the said Symon, often called, did not appear to show any evidents. The sheriff, with the advice of the barons aforesaid, delivered the said abbot and convent and their tenants and servants to enjoy and brook their possession of the south side of Balnamonismyre according to the tenor and form of their infeftments and evidents made to them thereupon, for aught that has yet been shown to the contrary. And the copy of the process is discerned to both the parties as accords.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Explicitly styles Alexander Guthrie as “of that ilk” and “knight” (Schir … knycht) in November 1495.
• Places him among the leading barons of Angus serving on a sheriff-court assize that upheld Arbroath Abbey’s rights in a local land dispute.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 295 (Manuscript folio 360)

Date of the Entry 4 June 1496

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Robertus Guthre (Robert Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack (lease) of the Abbey’s lands and garbal teinds of Innerlownane (Innerlounan) granted by Abbot David to Robert Guthrie and his assignees (provided the assignees are not of greater power than himself and are admitted by the Abbot).

Guthrie Role Robert Guthrie is the principal tenant / lessee of the lands and teinds of Innerlounan for a term of nineteen years.

Modern English Translation Innerlounan is set in tack to Robert Guthrie.

360 … Be it known … that we David … abbot … of Arbroath … have set in tack … to Robert Guthrie and his assignees … provided they are admitted by us … and that they are not of greater power than himself … our lands and garbal teinds of Innerlounan … for terms of nineteen years … Paying … for the ferm and teind … five celdras of clean pure dry and good barley and sufficient meal of the measure of the current market at the customary terms of payment … the term of entry … beginning on the day immediately following the date of these presents … And because we intend to burden the said Robert and his assignees to ride with us honestly as is fitting, receiving the plough from the court the same … and his assignees … we relax from all burdens of the husbandmen; except that they shall lead … tiles to the monastery … when they are to be led from the quarry; excepting also the jurisdiction of our regality. In all our courts, complaints and pleas to be held there they shall appear and do common suit in the due and accustomed form. And if … they are badly paying … or … injurious … it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the lands and teinds at … pleasure … Nor shall it be lawful for the said … to set the foresaid … lands and teinds to anyone … without our licence … except to cottars … At Arbroath on the fourth day of the month of June in the year of Our Lord 1496.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Documents Robert Guthrie as a substantial tenant of Arbroath Abbey in 1496, holding the lands and garbal teinds of Innerlounan on a nineteen-year tack.
• Continues the earlier association of the Guthrie name with the lands of Innerlounan (previously leased to William of Guthrie in 1418).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 298–299 (Manuscript folio 366)

Date of the Entry 12 December 1496

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Dauid Guthre, vtriusque iuris doctor (David Guthrie, doctor of both laws)
• (also referenced in the list of provosts as “de Guthre”)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath
• Appointed procurators include: Johannes Lystone (professor of sacred theology), Jacobus Allyrdes, Hugo Spens (professor of theology and doctor of decrees), the provosts of St Salvator’s, of Guthrie, and of the Chapel Royal near St Andrews, Gasper Cranstoune, Alexander Symsone (rectors of Fetteresso and Mortlach), Johannes Andree, Patricius Panter, Alexander Gardyn, Henricus Quhit, Robertus Coci, Alexander Carale, Johannes Fethy, Johannes Dunbrek, Johannes Ogilwy de Fyngask, Jacobus Gyffart de Schireffhal, Magistri Jacobus Henrisone and Georgius Sterlyng, and others
• Master William Wawane, official of St Andrews in the parts of Lothian (the subdelegate before whom they are to appear)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Procuratory by which Abbot David of Arbroath constitutes a large panel of clerics and others as his procurators to appear before the official of St Andrews (sitting as papal subdelegate) in a cause concerning certain sums of money obtained by Thomas Tod under a pretended apostolic commission, with power to protest, except, and do all other things pertaining to the office of procurator.

Guthrie Role David Guthrie, doctor of both laws, is named among the principal procurators appointed by the Abbot. The list also includes the provost of Guthrie among the dignitaries empowered to act.

Modern English Translation Procuratory before the subdelegate.

366 … Be it known … that we David, abbot … of Arbroath … have constituted … John Liston, professor of sacred theology; David Guthrie, doctor of both laws; James Allardyce; Hugh Spens, professor of theology and doctor of decrees; the provosts of St Salvator’s, of Guthrie, and of the Chapel Royal near the shore of St Andrews; and a canon of St Salvator’s; Masters Gasper Cranston, Alexander Simpson, rectors of Fetteresso and Mortlach; John Andrew; Patrick Panter; Alexander Gardyne; Henry White; Robert Cook, our confriars; Alexander Carale; John Fethy; John Dunbrek; John Ogilvy of Fingask; James Gifford of Sheriffhall; Masters James Henderson and George Stirling; our … procurators … to appear before … Master William Wawane, licentiate in decrees, official of St Andrews in the parts of Lothian … subdelegate … of William, archbishop of St Andrews, delegate … of lord Alexander, pope the sixth, upon a certain pretended commission of certain sums of money obtained by a certain Thomas Tod, with the first protestation of not admitting the pretended lord official, the pretended apostolic rescript or his asserted subdelegation, citation, place or assessors except in so far as the laws allow, on the 18th day of the month of December in the church of St Giles of Edinburgh in the consistorial place of the same or on any other days and places there, to except against the abovesaid commission, place, lord official, subdelegation, scribe and assessors … and also to do all other things … which are known to pertain to the office of a procurator … Given under the seal of our office on the 12th of December in the year 1496.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies David Guthrie as a doctor of both laws (utriusque iuris doctor) in December 1496.
• Associates him with the provostry of Guthrie and places him among the senior clerical and legal figures trusted by the Abbot of Arbroath to act in a high-level ecclesiastical cause before a papal subdelegate in Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Utriusque iuris doctor – Doctor of both laws; the highest university degree in Civil (Roman) Law and Canon (Church) Law. The qualification was especially valued for work in ecclesiastical courts and high-level church administration.
• Procuratorium – A formal written appointment of one or more persons to act as legal representatives (procurators) in a specific cause.
• Subdelegatus – A judge to whom a papal or archiepiscopal delegate has further delegated authority to hear a particular case.
• Officialis – The principal judicial officer of a bishop or archbishop, here the Official of St Andrews acting in the Lothian jurisdiction.
• Consistorial place – The formal court room or meeting place of the ecclesiastical consistory (here in St Giles’, Edinburgh).
• Protestatio de non admittendo – A formal protest entered at the outset of proceedings refusing to recognise the jurisdiction of the judge or the validity of the commission under which he claims to act.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 302–303 (Manuscript folio 371)

Date of the Entry 8 March 1496

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Malcolmus Guthre (Master Malcolm Guthrie) – previous tenant whose tack is expiring
• Guthyn (the lands of Guthrie) – the subject of the new tack

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath
• Dominus Thomas Ogilwy, miles (Sir Thomas Ogilvy, knight) – new tenant

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the Abbey’s lands of Guthyn (Guthrie) and Vestirbrex, together with the garbal teinds, granted to Sir Thomas Ogilvy, knight, and his assignees and subtenants (provided they are not of higher status than himself and are admitted by the Abbot and Convent). The new term begins immediately after the expiry of the previous tack held by Master Malcolm Guthrie.

Guthrie Role Master Malcolm Guthrie is named as the previous tenant whose nineteen-year (or other) term is ending; the lands themselves are those of Guthyn (Guthrie).

Modern English Translation Guthyn is set in tack to lord Thomas Ogilvy.

371 We David, abbot … of Arbroath … set in tack … to lord Thomas Ogilvy, knight, and his assignees and subtenants … so that they are not of higher status than himself … and that the assignees are admitted by … the abbot and convent … our lands of Guthyn and Vestirbrex … together with the garbal teinds … in our regality of Arbroath and within the sheriffdom of Forfar for terms of nineteen years … the term of entry … [beginning] on the feast of Pentecost immediately following the expiry of the terms of the tack of Master Malcolm Guthrie … Paying … twenty bolls of clean and good barley and forty bolls of meal with the measure of the current market at the … customary terms of payment, and three pounds six shillings and eight pence … of the money … of Scotland at … the feasts of Pentecost and St Martin … And because … we wish lord Thomas and his assignees and subtenants … to ride with us in our court when they shall be burdened, receiving the plough from the foresaid court … we relax his assignees and subtenants from the burdens of the husbandmen, saving nevertheless that they shall lead … ten cartloads of peats and as many cartloads of hay and tiles as the other … husbandmen when they shall be burdened by us or our officers. And further if … they are badly paying … or … injurious … it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the lands and teinds … at … pleasure … At … the monastery on the eighth day of the month of March in the year of Our Lord 1496.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records that Master Malcolm Guthrie had held a tack of the lands of Guthyn (Guthrie) itself, which was due to expire at Pentecost 1496.
• Shows the place-name Guthyn still in active use as an Abbey estate in the late fifteenth century and being re-granted to a local knight (Ogilvy).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedatio / Tack – A lease of lands (often for a fixed number of years) granted by a superior, here the Abbot.
• Garbales decimae – Garbal teinds; the tithe of the corn (sheaves) payable from the lands.
• Terminus introitus – The date on which the new tenant’s right of entry begins.
• Assignati et subtenentes – Assignees and subtenants; persons to whom the principal tenant may transfer or under-let, subject to the superior’s approval and status restrictions.
• Onera husbandorum – The customary labour services and burdens owed by ordinary husbandmen (farm tenants).
• Le buche / le plough – The obligation to supply or work a plough team when required by the superior’s court.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 317 (Manuscript folio 391)

Date of the Entry 6 May 1498

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre senior (James Guthrie the elder)
• Jacobus Guthre filius (James Guthrie, his son)
• Katrina Lyn (Katherine Lyn), wife of James Guthrie the elder

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Life-tack of one-half of the Abbey’s town of Seytone (Seaton), lying in the lordship of Arbroath, granted to James Guthrie the elder for the term of his life; after his death the same half is to be held by his wife Katherine Lyn and their son James Guthrie for a further term of thirteen years.

Guthrie Role James Guthrie the elder is the principal life-tenant. His wife Katherine Lyn and their son James are the successive holders for the thirteen-year term after his death.

Modern English Translation Setting in tack of the half part of Seaton for James Guthrie.

391 … Be it known … that we David … abbot … of Arbroath … have set in tack … to James Guthrie the elder … the half part of our town of Seaton … lying in the lordship of Arbroath for the whole term of his life; and the same James being removed from the midst, to Katherine Lyn his present wife and to James Guthrie his son … for terms of thirteen years after the death of the said James the elder … the term of entry … of James the elder … beginning on the feast of Pentecost immediately following the date of these presents; and the term of entry … of Katherine and James the son … beginning on the day of the death … of James the elder … Paying … James the elder … six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence … of the money … of Scotland at the two terms of the year … with six cartloads of peats and as many cartloads of hay, and also for leading tiles with our other husbandmen whenever he shall be called; and sustaining yearly one boat well prepared for fishing with all … necessaries … near the Maiden Castle or elsewhere where it shall please us … And the same James being taken from this light, the said Katherine and James his son … shall pay … six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence … of the money … of Scotland at the prescribed terms, with twelve capons and another twelve adult chickens, rynmart and wether, and all other burdens of the husbandmen … and also sustaining yearly one boat well prepared for fishing with men and other necessaries … near the Maiden Castle or where it shall please us … And if the said … fail in the payment of the ferm … and burdens … or in the maintenance of the boat … or are injurious to us … it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the half part of the town … at … pleasure … And if the said Katherine does not remain in her widowhood after the death … of her present husband, the present tack shall be of no strength as regards her … At the monastery … on the sixth day of the month of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand four hundred and ninety-eight.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a clear three-generation family grouping: James Guthrie the elder, his wife Katherine Lyn, and their son James Guthrie.
• Shows James the elder holding a life-tack of half of Seaton from Arbroath Abbey in 1498, with succession secured for his widow and son for a further thirteen years.
• Confirms the family’s ongoing status as substantial Abbey tenants in the lordship of Arbroath.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio / Tack – A lease of land for a fixed term or for life.
• Dimidia pars ville – One-half of the township or ferm-toun.
• Pro toto tempore vite sue – For the whole term of his life (a life-rent tack).
• Terminus introitus – The date on which the tenant’s right of possession begins.
• Onera husbandorum – The customary labour and produce burdens owed by ordinary farm tenants (carting peats, hay, tiles, etc.).
• Cymba pro piscacione – A boat maintained for fishing, here required to be kept ready near Maiden Castle (a coastal obligation).
• Si non manserit in sua viduitate – If the widow does not remain unmarried; a common clause limiting the widow’s right to the tack if she remarries.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 335–336 (Manuscript folio 417)

Date of the Entry 29 April 1501 (for the Abernethy tack); the Guthrie heading appears immediately after

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath
• Robertus Arnot and Petrus Carmychel (tenants of the Abernethy teinds)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose The principal document is a thirteen-year tack of the garbal teinds of the parish church of Abernethy (Dunblane diocese), with the chapel of Dron and the land called le Ballauch, granted to Robert Arnot and Peter Carmichael.

Immediately following is a short heading recording that Milhil (a property anciently assigned to the office of the cellarer) is set in tack to James Guthrie.

Guthrie Role James Guthrie is the tenant of Milhil under a tack from the Abbot.

Modern English Translation (Abernethy tack summarised; Guthrie heading translated)

Abernethy [church] is set in tack to Robert Arnot and Peter Carmichael.

417 To all the sons of the church … David … abbot … of Arbroath … greeting … Know that we … have set in tack … to our familiars Robert Arnot and Peter Carmichael … and their assignees provided they are admitted by us and are not of higher … status than themselves … the garbal teinds of our parish church of Abernethy in the diocese of Dunblane, with the chapel of Dron and that piece of land … commonly called le Ballauch … for terms of thirteen years … the term of entry … beginning on the feast of the Chains of St Peter immediately following the date of these presents. Paying … to the subprior, the chamberlain and the master of the fabric … for the maintenance of the fabric of our place … the sum of three hundred and sixty merks … of the money … of Scotland within the monastery … at … the feasts … of Easter and the Chains of St Peter … or … within thirty days … And if the said … fail in payment … at the term and day and place … it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the church, teinds, chapel and lands … at … pleasure … Of which sum … we grant … to the foresaid … yearly for their services … multiply expended … twenty merks. Moreover … they shall find … all necessaries belonging to the choirs of the said church and chapel by reason of the rectory, new buildings, roofs, chalices and books only excepted. And if the church, chapel or teinds … are sequestrated through their default they shall answer for the relaxation of the sequestration of the same … At … the monastery on the penultimate day of the month of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand five hundred and one.

Milhil, which is assigned from the ancient office of the cellarer, is set in tack to James Guthrie.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records James Guthrie as the tenant of Milhil, a property previously attached to the ancient office of the cellarer of Arbroath Abbey.
• Continues the pattern of Guthries holding Abbey lands and offices-related properties in the early sixteenth century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio – Tack / lease.
• Decimae garbales – Garbal (corn) teinds.
• Officium cellerarie – The office of the cellarer (one of the senior monastic officials responsible for provisions).
• Assignatur ab antiquo – Anciently assigned / appropriated to.
• Familiaries – Members of the Abbot’s household or close associates.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 336 (Manuscript folio 418)

Date of the Entry 21 June 1501

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre, burgensis de Abirbrothoc (James Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath)
• Joneta Paniter (Janet Panter), his spouse

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the Abbey’s lands of ly Mylhill (Milhil / Myhill), which James Guthrie already occupies, granted jointly to James Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, and his wife Janet Panter, and their assignee (provided the assignee is not of higher status).

Guthrie Role James Guthrie (with his wife Janet Panter) is the tenant of the lands of Mylhill under a formal nineteen-year tack.

Modern English Translation 418 … Be it known … that we David … abbot … of Arbroath … have set in tack … to James Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, Janet Panter his spouse, and their assignee … not … of higher … status than the said … for terms of nineteen years … our lands of ly Mylhill … which the same James now occupies; the term of entry … beginning on the feast of Pentecost immediately following the date of these presents … Paying … forty shillings … of the money … of Scotland at the two terms of the year … And if it should happen that they … are injurious … or badly paying, it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the lands … At … the chapter on the twenty-first day of the month of June in the year of Our Lord one thousand five hundred and one.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies James Guthrie as a burgess of Arbroath in 1501.
• Names his wife as Janet Panter (Joneta Paniter).
• Shows him already in occupation of the lands of Mylhill and receiving a formal nineteen-year security of tenure from the Abbot.
• Links to the immediately preceding heading that associated Mylhill with the ancient office of the cellarer.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio – Tack / lease for a fixed term of years.
• Burgensis de Abirbrothoc – Burgess of the burgh of Arbroath (a freeman of the town with full municipal rights).
• Terminus introitus – The date on which the new term of the tack begins (here Pentecost 1501).
• Assignatus – An assignee to whom the tenants may transfer the tack, subject to the superior’s approval and status restriction.
• Capitulum – The chapter (the formal meeting of the Abbot and monks), used here as the place of execution.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 336–337 (Manuscript folio 419)

Date of the Entry 15 July 1501

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre in Seytoun (James Guthrie in Seaton)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath, and the Convent
• Alexander Fylpe (the appointed attorney / nuncio / serjeant)
• Witnesses: Alexander Baldovy de eodem, Walter Lichtoun in Athy, and divers others
• Notary: Johannes Brovn

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Procuratory by which the Abbot and Convent appoint their servant Alexander Fylpe as their attorney, nuncio and serjeant to demand, uplift and (if necessary) distrain for all ferms and rents due to the convent in common from debtors in Aberdeen and throughout all parts beyond the mountains to the north, together with arrears, and to do all other things pertaining to such an office.

Guthrie Role James Guthrie in Seaton was present as one of the named witnesses when the procuratory was executed in the chapter house.

Modern English Translation Procuratory for the rents due to the convent in common beyond the mountains.

419 … In the year … one thousand five hundred and one, on the fifteenth day of the month of July … before me a public notary … David … abbot … of Arbroath and … the convent, personally constituted, presented a certain paper schedule to be read, of which the tenor is this … To all … David … abbot of Arbroath … greeting. Know that we have made … our servant … Alexander Fylpe, the bearer of these presents, our attorney, nuncio and serjeant to demand … and for the utility of our place to uplift from whomsoever our debtors in Aberdeen and beyond through all parts situated beyond the mountains to the north the ferms and rents due to the convent in common, and if need be to distrain for them, together with the arrears of years and terms past … and to do all other things … which by such an attorney … can be performed … the presents to endure at our will. Which schedule … the abbot and convent … sought from me … to be published under the form of an instrument … These things were done in the chapter … of the monastery about the eleventh hour before midday or thereabouts … in the presence there of Alexander Baldovy of that ilk, James Guthrie in Seaton, Walter Lichtoun in Athy, with divers others …

… John Brown … notary …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Continues the identification of James Guthrie as “in Seytoun” (Seaton) in July 1501, only weeks after he and his wife Janet Panter received the tack of Mylhill.
• Places him as a witness of sufficient standing to be named in a formal chapter act of the Abbey.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Procuratorium – Formal written appointment of an attorney or agent.
• Nuncius et sergeandus – Nuncio (messenger) and serjeant (officer authorised to execute court orders, including distraint).
• Extra montes – Beyond the mountains (the traditional description of the area north of the Mounth, i.e. Aberdeen and the north-east).
• Redditus conventui in communi debiti – Rents due to the convent in common (as distinct from those appropriated to individual monastic offices).
• Districtionem – Distraint; the legal seizure of goods to enforce payment of rent or debt.
• Capitulum – The chapter house / formal meeting of the Abbot and monks.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 351–352 (Manuscript folio 441)

Date of the Entry 12 April 1505

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre senior (James Guthrie the elder)
• Katrine Lyne (Katherine Lyn), his wife
• Jacobus Guthre filius (James Guthrie, his son)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgius, Abbot of Arbroath
• Dauid Terry and Thomas Vannand (the current occupants of the third part)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Life-tack of one-third of the lands of the town of Northterre (North Tarry), currently occupied by David Terry and Thomas Vannand, granted to James Guthrie the elder, his wife Katherine Lyn, and their son James Guthrie, for the lifetime of James the elder; after his death the same third is to be held by Katherine and the son James (with the usual widowhood proviso).

Guthrie Role James Guthrie the elder is the principal life-tenant. His wife Katherine Lyn and their son James are the successive holders after his death.

Modern English Translation Northterre for the third part is set in tack to James Guthrie.

441 … Be it known … that we George … abbot … of Arbroath … have set in tack … to James Guthrie the elder, Katherine Lyn his wife … and James Guthrie his son … the third part of the lands of our town of Northterre … which David Terry and Thomas Vannand now … occupy, for the whole term of life … Paying … forty-four shillings and five pence with a halfpenny … of the money … of Scotland at … the terms of Pentecost … and St Martin … with four capons and another four adult chickens, rynmart, wether and other burdens of the husbandmen … And the same James the elder being taken from this light, the said Katherine and her son James … [shall pay] … two celdras of oats of the measure of the current market at the customary terms of this kind with the things prescribed. Moreover if … they pay badly it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the third part … at … pleasure … And if the said Katherine does not remain in her widowhood after the death of the said James … the present tack shall be of no strength as regards her … At Arbroath on the 12th day of the month of April in the year of Our Lord 1505.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Reconfirms the same family group previously seen in 1498 (half of Seaton): James Guthrie the elder, his wife Katherine Lyn, and their son James.
• Shows the family expanding their holdings under Arbroath Abbey to include a one-third share of Northterre (North Tarry) on a life-tack in 1505.
• Continues the pattern of secure, multi-generational Abbey tenancies.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio pro toto tempore vite – Life-tack (lease for the lifetime of the principal tenant).
• Tercia pars terrarum ville – One-third share of the lands of the ferm-toun.
• Onera husbandorum – Customary tenant burdens (capons, chickens, rynmart, wether, etc.).
• Si non manserit in viduitate sua – The standard clause that the widow’s right to the tack ends if she remarries.
• Rynmart et weddir – A mart (ox or cow for slaughter) of a specified age/quality and a wether (castrated ram).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 366–369 (Manuscript folio 448)

Date of the Entry Foundation charter by Charles Brown: 14 November 1505 Abbot’s confirmation: March 1505 (likely 1505/6)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Marjorie Guthre (Marjorie Guthrie), spouse of Charles Brown
• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie) – neighbouring landholder in Cobgate
• Alexander Guthre de eodem, miles (Alexander Guthrie of that ilk, knight) – neighbouring landholder in the Burrowrudis

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgius, Abbot of Arbroath, and the Convent (confirming)
• Karolus Brown (Charles Brown), burgess of Arbroath (founder of the chaplainry)
• Numerous neighbouring landholders and rent-payers listed in the foundation

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial inspection and confirmation by the Abbot and Convent of a charter by which Charles Brown, burgess of Arbroath, founded a perpetual chaplainry at the altar of St Nicholas in the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the west end of the bridge of Arbroath (or, if that failed, in the church of St Vigean). The foundation was made for the souls of King James IV and his queen, Abbot George and the convent, the founder himself, his wife Marjorie Guthrie, his parents, and all the faithful departed. A long list of tenements and annual rents in Arbroath was assigned to support the chaplain.

Guthrie Role

• Marjorie Guthrie is named as the wife of the founder Charles Brown; the chaplainry is founded in part for her soul.
• James Guthrie is named as the owner of land on the north side of a tenement in Cobgate that is being conveyed.
• Sir Alexander Guthrie of that ilk is named as the owner of land on the east side of a piece of land in the Burrowrudis that is being conveyed.

Modern English Translation (Key passages only)

448 To all who shall see or hear this charter, George, by divine permission abbot of the monastery of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath and the convent of the same place, eternal greeting in the Lord. Know that we have inspected and fully understood a certain charter of our beloved Charles Brown, burgess of the burgh of Arbroath, concerning the foundation of a chaplainry, made under the seal of the foresaid Charles and the common seal of the said burgh, sound and entire, not cancelled, not erased, not abolished, nor in any part of it corrupted or suspected, but entirely free from every stain, defect and suspicion, of which charter the tenor follows in these words:

To all who shall see or hear this charter, Charles Brown, burgess of Arbroath, eternal greeting in the Lord. Know that I, for the salvation of the soul of the most excellent prince James the Fourth, king of Scots, and of his queen, and for the salvation of the venerable father in Christ George, abbot of Arbroath, and of the convent of the same, and also for the salvation of my own soul and of Marjorie Guthrie my spouse, of my father and my mother, and for the souls of my predecessors [and] successors and of all the faithful departed, have freely given, granted and by this my present charter confirmed to God Almighty and the Blessed Virgin Mary and to Blessed Nicholas the bishop and confessor, at the altar newly founded by me to the praise and glory of the same and for the sustenance of one chaplain who shall celebrate at the said altar situated in the chapel of the Blessed Mary at the west end of the bridge of Arbroath (or, if that fails, in the church of Blessed Vigean) forever for the foresaid souls, all and whole those lands and annual rents of mine following, namely: [long detailed list of tenements and annual rents in Cobgate, Lorburn, Marketgate, etc.]

… item 2s. from the land of John Steidman lying in the Cobgate between the land of James Guthrie on the north and the land of William Cristison on the south … … item one piece of land lying in the Burrowrudis on the south side between the land of Alexander Guthrie of that ilk, knight, on the east and the land of the heirs of Richard Feldefair on the west …

[The Abbot and Convent then ratify and confirm the entire foundation charter.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Names Marjorie Guthrie as the wife of Charles Brown, burgess of Arbroath, in 1505.
• Places James Guthrie as a landholder in Cobgate, Arbroath, at the same date.
• Explicitly styles Alexander Guthrie as “of that ilk” and “knight” and shows him holding land in the Burrowrudis of Arbroath in 1505.
• Provides a valuable snapshot of multiple Guthrie property interests within the burgh at the beginning of the sixteenth century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Capellania – A chaplainry (an endowed altar with a perpetual chaplain to celebrate masses for specified souls).
• In puram et perpetuam elemosinam – In pure and perpetual alms (the classic free tenure for religious foundations).
• Redditus annui – Annual rents (money payments charged on specific tenements).
• Presentatio – The right to present (nominate) the chaplain when the benefice falls vacant.
• Ballivi et comburgenses – The bailies and fellow-burgesses of the burgh, here given the primary right of presentation.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 367–370 (approximate; manuscript folio 458)

Date of the Entry Foundation by John Browne: 1506 Abbot’s confirmation: 5 July 1506

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie) – neighbouring landholder
• Joneta Lyn (Janet Lyn) – wife of the founder John Browne in Latham

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgius, Abbot of Arbroath, and the Convent (confirming)
• Johannes Browne in Laithame / Latham (founder of the chaplainry)
• Dominus Alexander Browne (a kinsman of the founder, already instituted as chaplain)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Confirmation by the Abbot and Convent of a foundation by John Browne, inhabitant of Latham, of a perpetual chaplainry at the altar of St Sebastian in the parish church of St Vigean. The foundation was made for the soul of the founder, the soul of his wife Janet Lyn, his kinsmen, parents, benefactors, and all the faithful departed. Several tenements and annual rents in Arbroath were assigned to support the chaplain.

Guthrie Role

• Janet Lyn is named as the wife of the founder; the chaplainry is founded in part for her soul.
• James Guthrie is named as the owner of land lying to the south of one of the tenements being conveyed to the chaplainry (in Cobgate).

Modern English Translation (Key passages)

Confirmation of the chaplainry of John Browne in Latham of the altar of St Sebastian in the church of St Vigean.

458 To all the faithful of Christ who shall inspect or hear the present letters, George, by divine permission abbot of the monastery of St Thomas the Martyr of Arbroath and the convent of the same place, greeting in Him who is true salvation. Know that we have understood and truly inspected the letters of foundation of a chaplainry in the church of St Vigean the Confessor made by John Brown in Latham, not abolished, not cancelled, not erased, nor in any part of them vitiated, in these words:

To all and singular the sons of holy mother church to whose notice the letters of the present foundation shall come, John Browne, inhabitant in Latham, greeting, joy and peace. … I, the foresaid John, at the time of the consecration of my parish church of Arbroath in honour of St Vigean its patron, promised to the reverend father in Christ and lord George, by the grace of God and of the apostolic see bishop of Dromore, who in the year of Our Lord 1485 on the 25th day of the month of August consecrating dedicated it, to endow it or some altar situated within the same with annual rents to the value of five merks of the current money of Scotland. … willing also and most greatly desiring to provide for the salvation and remedy of my own soul and the souls of Janet Lyn my wife, of my kinsmen, parents and benefactors and of all the faithful departed … I have given, granted and founded … to one perpetual chaplain who shall serve forever at the altar of St Sebastian in the said church founded by me, and shall celebrate mass daily and other divine suffrages while he shall be disposed for this as is customary in other parts of Scotland, namely: one tenement lying in the burgh of Arbroath on the east side in the Cobgate between the lands of Walter Sclater on the north and the lands of Alexander Nicholson on the south … another whole tenement with pertinents in the same street on the west side of the same lying between the lands of Elyson Colyn on the north and the lands of James Purwes on the south … one annual rent of six shillings and ten pence from the abovesaid lands of Elyson Colyn … one also annual rent of six shillings and eight pence from that whole tenement which belonged to Alexander Teyndar while he lived, lying on the west side of the foresaid street between the lands of James Guthrie on the south and the land of James Purwes on the north …

[The Abbot and Convent then approve, ratify and forever confirm the foundation.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Names Janet Lyn as the wife of John Browne in Latham in 1506.
• Places James Guthrie as a landholder in Cobgate, Arbroath, at the same date (neighbouring one of the tenements given to the new chaplainry).
• Raises the possibility of a connection with the earlier Katherine/Katrina Lyn who was wife of James Guthrie the elder (1498–1505), though the documents do not explicitly link the two women.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Capellania / altaragium – A chaplainry or endowed altar.
• Incola – Inhabitant / resident (here of Latham).
• Ius patronatus – The right of patronage (presentation of the chaplain).
• Ydoneus capellanus – A suitable / qualified chaplain.
• Infra triginta dierum spacium – Within the space of thirty days (the usual period allowed for presentation after a vacancy).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 370 (Manuscript folio 461)

Date of the Entry 8 September 1506

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre of that ilk (Alexander Guthrie of that ilk)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• George, Abbot of Arbroath
• Thomas, Lord of Innermeath and Baron of Innerkelor
• Witnesses: Master Hew Dowglace (dean of Brechin), Alexander Hepburn of Quhitsim, Adam Hepburn of the Crage (knight), James Haye of Nachtane (knight), Robert Gray (son of Lord Gray), John Ogilwy of the Crage, Master David Carale and Master James Farchar (notaries), and others

Original Document Language Middle Scots

Purpose Indenture granting Thomas, Lord of Innermeath, licence for the term of his life to bring a fishing boat into the Abbey’s harbour of Athy (Ethie), to allow his fishermen to pass and repass with their gear, to lay anchors on land, to hang and dry nets, to take fish, and to do all other things necessary for the fishing craft, without creating any possession, ground right or servitude prejudicial to the Abbey.

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of that ilk was present as one of the named witnesses to the indenture.

Modern English Translation [Indenture concerning the boat of the harbour of Athy.]

461 This indenture made at Arbroath the eighth day of the month of September the year of God one thousand five hundred and six years between us George … abbot of … Arbroath … and Thomas, lord of Innermeath and baron of Inverkeilor … bears witness … as after follows … We George, abbot foresaid, with the consent of our convent, for the hearty love we have to the said lord Thomas, of our free will give licence to the said Thomas, lord, to bring a fish boat into our haven of Athy for all the days of his life, and his fishers to pass and repass thereto with their stuff and gear such as pertains to them, and to lay their anchors upon land, to dry hang and dry nets, to take fish, and all other necessary things to do, use, exercise and have needful to fishing craft and saving of the boat and gear; which use shall induce no possession to the said lord of Innermeath, neither ground right nor servitude, but shall be always without prejudice or hurt to us, our convent and place of Arbroath and our successors after the death of the said Thomas, lord. In witness hereof to a part of this indenture to remain with us … the seal of Thomas, lord foresaid, is appended; and to the part … to remain with the said Thomas, lord, we have appended the common seal of our chapter … before these witnesses: Master Hew Douglas, dean of Brechin; Alexander Hepburn of Whitsome; Adam Hepburn of the Craig, knight; Alexander Guthrie of that ilk; James Hay of Naughton, knight; Robert Gray, son to Lord Gray; John Ogilvy of the Craig; Master David Carale and Master James Farquhar, notaries; with others divers.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Explicitly styles Alexander Guthrie as “of that ilk” in September 1506.
• Places him among the local nobility and gentry witnessing an important licence granted by the Abbot concerning the Abbey’s harbour at Ethie.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Indenture – A formal bipartite agreement, each party retaining a sealed counterpart.
• Hawyn / haven – Harbour or haven.
• Battella / fische boit – Fishing boat.
• Without prejudice or hurt – Standard saving clause ensuring that the licence creates no permanent right or servitude against the granter.
• Commone selle of our chaptour – The common seal of the monastic chapter.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 382 (Manuscript folio 479)

Date of the Entry 1509

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Henricus Guthre, burgensis de Arbroth (Henry Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath)
• Elizabeth Lyell, his present spouse
• Johannes Guthre, filius senior (John Guthrie, their eldest son)
• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie), father of Henry (previous tenant)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgius, Abbot of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the Abbey’s lands of Mylhil (Milhil / Myhill) granted jointly to Henry Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, his wife Elizabeth Lyell, and their eldest son John Guthrie. The document notes that James, the father of Henry, held the same lands for the same term at the time this new tack was made.

Guthrie Role Henry Guthrie (with his wife and eldest son) is the new principal tenant. His father James is recorded as the immediately preceding tenant of the same lands.

Modern English Translation Milhil is set in tack to Henry Guthrie.

479 … Be it known … that we George … abbot … of Arbroath … have set in tack … to Henry Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, and Elizabeth Lyell his present spouse, and John Guthrie their eldest son … our lands of Mylhil … for terms of nineteen years … which … James … the father … of Henry held … at the time of the making of this for the same terms. Paying … forty shillings … of the money … of Scotland at … the terms of Pentecost and St Martin … And if it should happen that they … are injurious … or badly paying, it shall be lawful for us … to dispose of … the lands … Dated … in the year of Our Lord 1509.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a clear three-generation succession in the tenancy of Mylhil: – James Guthrie (father) – Henry Guthrie (son), burgess of Arbroath, and his wife Elizabeth Lyell – John Guthrie (eldest son of Henry and Elizabeth)
• Confirms the earlier 1501 tack of Mylhil to James Guthrie and Janet Panter is part of the same family holding.
• Resolves the earlier index reference to Elizabeth Lyell (previously noted as appearing only at p.382).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio – Tack / lease for a fixed term of years.
• Burgensis de Arbroth – Burgess of the burgh of Arbroath.
• Filius senior – Eldest son (explicitly included to secure the succession within the family).
• Sponsa moderna – Present / current spouse.
• Termini decem et nouem annorum – A standard nineteen-year term, common in late-medieval Scottish ecclesiastical leases.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 419 (Manuscript folio 534)

Date of the Entry 17 December 1512

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgius, Abbot of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the Abbey’s lands of Innerlonan (Innerlounan) together with the garbal teinds, granted to James Guthrie and his assignees (provided they are admitted by the Abbot and are not of higher status than himself).

Guthrie Role James Guthrie is the principal tenant of the lands and garbal teinds of Innerlounan.

Modern English Translation Innerlonan with the teinds is set in tack to James Guthrie.

534 … Be it known … that we George [etc.] … have set in tack … to James Guthrie and his assignees … provided they are admitted by us and are not of higher status than himself … our lands of Innerlonan with the garbal teinds … for terms of nineteen years … Paying … two celdras and eight bolls of barley and two celdras and eight bolls of oatmeal of the measure of the current market within … the monastery … And because we intend to burden the said … and his assignees to ride with us … we relax the same from all burdens of the husbandmen … except that they shall lead … tiles from the quarry to … the monastery in the same manner as the other husbandmen … excepting also the jurisdiction of our regality in all our courts, complaints and pleas in which … they shall do common suit … On the seventeenth day of the month of December in the year of Our Lord one thousand five hundred and twelve.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Continues the long Guthrie association with the lands of Innerlounan (previously held by William of Guthrie in 1418 and Robert Guthrie in 1496).
• Shows James Guthrie holding a substantial nineteen-year tack of both the lands and the garbal teinds in 1512.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio – Tack / lease for a fixed term.
• Decimae garbales – Garbal (corn) teinds.
• Celdras et bollas – Chaldrons and bolls (standard Scottish dry measures for grain).
• Onera husbandorum – Customary labour burdens of ordinary farm tenants.
• Sectam communem – Common suit of court (the obligation to attend the superior’s courts).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 434–435 (Manuscript folio 573)

Date of the Entry Confirmation dated 21 July 1521 (reciting and expanding the earlier foundation of c.1506)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Joneta Lyne (Janet Lyn) – one of the wives of the founder whose soul is commemorated
• Henricus Guythre (Henry Guthrie) – neighbouring landholder
• Andreas Guthre (Andrew Guthrie) – former owner of a tenement now contributing an annual rent

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes Brown in Laitham (founder)
• Elene Brown and Joneta Bownche (additional wives of the founder whose souls are also commemorated)
• The Abbot and Convent of Arbroath (confirming)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Later confirmation and slight expansion of the chaplainry founded by John Brown in Latham at the altar of St Sebastian in the parish church of St Vigean. The document recites the earlier foundation (with the souls of Janet Lyn and others) and adds further annual rents, including one from a tenement formerly belonging to Andrew Guthrie and another bounded by the lands of Henry Guthrie.

Guthrie Role

• Janet Lyn is again named among the souls for whom the chaplainry was founded.
• Henry Guthrie is named as the owner of land lying to the north of a tenement in the Ratton Raw that is charged with an annual rent.
• Andrew Guthrie is named as the former owner of a tenement from which a 4s. 8d. annual rent is now assigned to the chaplainry.

Modern English Translation (Key new passages)

573 The same confirms the letters of John Brown in Latham in these words: To all [etc. as in No. 458 as far as the words “and the remedy of my soul”] and the souls of Janet Lyn, Helen Brown, and Janet Bunch, my wives [etc. as in the same as far as the words “John Aldstone on the south”]. … item one other whole tenement with pertinents lying in the street called Cobgate on the south side between the lands of Alexander Bride and the lands of Thomas Browne lying on the north … and also one annual rent of ten shillings between the lands of John Browne formerly in Ruys on the south side and the lands of Andrew Scot on the north side … further for one anniversary one annual rent of ten shillings from the tenement formerly of John Steydman lying in the street Ratton Raw on the west side of the same between the lands of Alexander Mustard on the south side on one part and the lands of David Durwart on the west and the lands of Henry Guthrie on the north and the common vennel on the east on the other parts … item another annual rent of four shillings and eight pence from the tenement formerly of Andrew Guthrie and at that time belonging to Thomas Rany, burgess of the said burgh, and it lies between the lands of St Sebastian on the south on one part and the lands of Andrew Thomson on the north on the other parts …

[Further detailed provisions for the anniversary, the chaplain’s duties, the right of patronage, the ornaments of the altar, and the founder’s reserved powers follow. The confirmation is sealed with the seals of the chapter and of John Browne the founder and is dated 21 July 1521.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Reconfirms Janet Lyn as a wife of John Brown in Latham.
• Introduces Henry Guthrie as a landholder in the Ratton Raw of Arbroath by 1521.
• Introduces Andrew Guthrie as a former owner of a tenement in Arbroath whose property is now contributing to the chaplainry.
• Shows continued Guthrie property presence within the burgh into the 1520s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Anniversarium / Saulmes et Dirige – An annual commemorative service (Placebo and Dirige with note and chant) for the souls of the founder and others.
• Quondam – Formerly (indicating a previous owner).
• Ius patronatus – Right of patronage / presentation.
• Concubina seu focaria – Concubine or hearth-mate; a clause allowing the patron to remove a chaplain who keeps a woman.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 438–442 (Manuscript folio 583)

Date of the Entry Foundation charter by Robert Scot: 4 January 1519 Abbot’s confirmation: 18 January 1524

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Henricus Guthre (Henry Guthrie) – neighbouring landholder

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dauid, Abbot of Arbroath (confirming)
• Robertus Scot, burgess of Arbroath (founder of the chaplainry)
• A long list of Scot family members and others whose souls are commemorated

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Confirmation by Abbot David of a perpetual chaplainry founded by Robert Scot, burgess of Arbroath, at a newly established altar in the chapel of Arbroath near the bridge of the town, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Duthac. A substantial list of lands and tenements in and around Arbroath was assigned to support the chaplain, and detailed regulations were laid down for the chaplain’s duties, residence, and the right of patronage.

Guthrie Role Henry Guthrie is named as the owner of the lands lying both to the east and to the west of two roods situated on the south side of the chapel of Our Lady near the bridge; those two roods form part of the endowment of the new chaplainry.

Modern English Translation (Key passage only)

… item two roods lying on the south side of the chapel of Our Lady near the bridge of the said town between the lands of Henry Guthrie on the east side and on the west side …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places Henry Guthrie as a landholder immediately adjacent to the chapel of Our Lady near the bridge of Arbroath by January 1519 (confirmed 1524).
• Continues the documentary presence of the Guthrie family as property holders within the burgh into the 1520s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Capellania perpetua – A perpetual chaplainry.
• Ad mortuam manum – Into mortmain (the legal transfer of property to a religious foundation).
• Presentatio – The right to present the chaplain.
• Focaria / concubina – Explicit prohibition on the chaplain keeping a hearth-mate or concubine.
• Cantor planus – Plain-song / plainsong singer (minimum musical qualification required of the chaplain).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 453 (Manuscript folio 617)

Date of the Entry 28 March 1526

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)
• Hercules Guthre (Hercules Guthrie), his son

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (David or his successor; the text says “Idem”)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the lands of Innerlownan (Innerlounan) together with the garbal teinds, lying in the regality of Arbroath and the sheriffdom of Forfar, granted to John Guthrie and his son Hercules Guthrie and their assignees (provided the assignees are not of higher status).

Guthrie Role John Guthrie and his son Hercules are the joint principal tenants of the lands and garbal teinds of Innerlounan.

Modern English Translation 617 The same sets in tack for nineteen years to John Guthrie and his son Hercules Guthrie and their assignees not of higher status the lands of Innerlownan with the garbal teinds in the regality of Arbroath and the sheriffdom of Forfar. Paying two celdras and eight bolls of good and pure barley and two celdras and eight bolls of meal of the measure of the current market at the feasts of the Purification of the Blessed Mary and Easter. And because he intends the said persons to ride with him, the abbot relaxes them from the burdens of the husbandmen except that they shall lead tiles from the quarry to the monastery and in all courts of the regality they shall do suit. 28 March 1526.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Continues the multi-generational Guthrie tenancy of Innerlounan (previously held by William 1418, Robert 1496, James 1512).
• Explicitly names Hercules Guthrie as the son of John Guthrie and includes him as a joint tenant, securing the succession within the family.
• Shows the family still holding this substantial Abbey estate into the mid-1520s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio pro nouendecim annis – Nineteen-year tack.
• Decimae garbales – Garbal (corn) teinds.
• Non maioris status – Not of higher status (standard restriction on assignees).
• Onera husbandorum – Customary labour burdens of farm tenants.
• Sectam facient – They shall do suit (attend the regality courts).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 454 (Manuscript folio 619)

Date of the Entry 30 April 1526

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Henricus Guthre, burgensis de Arbroath (Henry Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath)
• Elyzabeth Lyell (Elizabeth Lyell), his spouse
• Johannes Guthre, eorum filius senior (John Guthrie, their eldest son)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Renewal of the nineteen-year tack of the lands of Mylhyll (Milhil / Myhill), which Henry Guthrie already held for the same term, now granted jointly to Henry Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, his wife Elizabeth Lyell, and their eldest son John Guthrie.

Guthrie Role Henry Guthrie (with his wife and eldest son) continues as the tenant of Mylhyll under a renewed nineteen-year security of tenure.

Modern English Translation 619 The same sets in tack for nineteen years to Henry Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, Elizabeth Lyell his spouse, and John Guthrie their eldest son the lands of Mylhyll which Henry held for the same terms. Paying forty shillings of the money of Scotland. 30 April 1526.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Direct continuation of the 1509 tack of Mylhil to the same three persons (Henry, Elizabeth Lyell, and their eldest son John).
• Demonstrates the family’s successful retention and renewal of this Abbey tenancy over a period of at least seventeen years.
• Confirms the ongoing status of Henry Guthrie as a burgess of Arbroath into 1526.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Assedacio pro nouendecim annis – Nineteen-year tack (the standard renewable term).
• Quas Henricus habuit pro eisdem terminis – Which Henry held for the same terms (explicit recognition of the previous tenure).
• Filius senior – Eldest son (included to secure the family succession).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 454 (Manuscript folio 621)

Date of the Entry 9 May 1526

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de Kynblathmund (Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont)
• Jonete Straquhyne (Janet Strachan), his spouse

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the garbal teinds of the lands of Kynblathmund (Kinblethmont) in the parish of Inverkeilor, granted to Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont, his spouse Janet Strachan, and their assignees (provided the assignees are not of higher status).

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont (with his wife) is the tenant of the garbal teinds of Kinblethmont.

Modern English Translation 621 The same sets in tack for nineteen years to Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont, Janet Strachan his spouse, and their assignees not of higher status the garbal teinds of the lands of Kinblethmont in the parish of Inverkeilor. Paying five bolls of wheat, eight bolls of barley and twenty-eight bolls of oatmeal of the market measure at the feasts of the Purification of Mary and Easter. 9 May 1526.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies Alexander Guthrie as “of Kinblethmont” in 1526.
• Names his wife as Janet Strachan (Jonete Straquhyne).
• Continues the Kinblethmont branch previously represented by William Guthrie of Kinblethmont (juror in 1494).
• Shows the family holding the garbal teinds of their own lands from Arbroath Abbey.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Decimae garbales – Garbal (corn) teinds.
• Non maioris status – Not of higher status (restriction on assignees).
• Mensura fori – Market measure (the standard local measure for grain).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 461 (Manuscript folio 639)

Date of the Entry Commission for a justiciary court to be held at Dundee on 23 February (year not stated in the visible text; late in the register, after 1526)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Henricus Guthre in Ruffis (Henry Guthrie in Ruffis / Roughs)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Named procurators: Dominus Jacobus Ogyluy de Erle, Willelmus Vod de Bonneton, Jacobus Betton de Melgone, Georgius Ramsa de Clette, Georgius Rollog, Johannes Ramsay, Allexander Luvlylle, and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Commission appointing a panel of procurators (including Henry Guthrie in Ruffis) to act in a justiciary court to be held at Dundee on 23 February, with continuation of days. The form is stated to be similar to the preceding commission.

Guthrie Role Henry Guthrie in Ruffis is named as one of the appointed procurators for the justiciary court.

Modern English Translation 639 Commission given to certain procurators, namely: lord James Ogilvy of Airlie, William Wood of Bonnyton, James Beton of Melgund, George Ramsay of Clette, George Rollok, John Ramsay, Alexander Luvlylle, Henry Guthrie in Ruffis, and others, for a justiciary court to be held at Dundee on the 23rd of the month of February with continuation of days; of similar form as the preceding commission.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies a Henry Guthrie as “in Ruffis” (a local designation, possibly Roughs or a similar place-name).
• Shows him acting in an official capacity as a procurator for a justiciary court at Dundee, indicating a man of some local standing and legal involvement.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Commissio – A formal written appointment of authority.
• Procuratores – Procurators / legal agents appointed to act in court.
• Curia iusticiarie – Justiciary court (the royal criminal and higher civil court held by the Justiciar or his deputies).
• Cum continuatione dierum – With continuation of days (allowing the court to sit over multiple days).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 469 (Manuscript folio 659)

Date of the Entry 31 August 1527

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de Kynblaythmont (Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Thomas Lyndsay de Lethnoth (Thomas Lindsay of Lethnoth) – co-bailie
• The Abbot of Arbroath (issuer of the precept)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Precept of sasine directed to Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont and Thomas Lindsay of Lethnoth as the Abbot’s bailies in this part, ordering them to give sasine of the lands contained in the preceding charter by the traditional symbols of earth and stone and the delivery of one sheaf (garba).

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont is appointed as one of the Abbot’s special bailies to execute the giving of sasine.

Modern English Translation 659 Precept of sasine upon the foresaid charter by delivery of earth and stone and of one sheaf, directed to Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont and Thomas Lindsay of Lethnoth, bailies of the abbot in this part. 31 August 1527.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont acting in an official capacity as a bailie of the Abbot of Arbroath in 1527.
• Continues the documented activity of the Kinblethmont branch (previously seen in 1494 and 1526).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Preceptum sasine – A written order from the superior instructing named bailies to give sasine.
• Per terre et lapidis et unius garbe traditionem – By delivery of earth and stone and of one sheaf (the classic symbolic acts of sasine for land and its produce).
• Ballivi abbatis in hac parte – Bailies of the abbot specially appointed for this purpose.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 470 (Manuscript folio 661)

Date of the Entry 31 August 1527

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de Kynblaythmont (Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Jacobus Ogylwy de Bradown (James Ogilvy of Braidown / Bradow)
• Thomas Lyndsay de Laythnoth (Thomas Lindsay of Lethnoth)
• And others – all as bailies in this part

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Precept of sasine upon the preceding charter, directed to James Ogilvy of Braidown, Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont, Thomas Lindsay of Lethnoth, and others as the Abbot’s bailies in this part, ordering them to give sasine by delivery of earth and stone and one sheaf.

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont is again named as one of the Abbot’s special bailies authorised to give sasine.

Modern English Translation 661 Precept of sasine upon the foresaid charter by delivery of earth and stone and of one sheaf, directed to James Ogilvy of Braidown, Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont, Thomas Lindsay of Lethnoth, and others, bailies in this part. 31 August 1527.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Reinforces Alexander Guthrie of Kinblethmont’s role as a trusted bailie of the Abbot of Arbroath on the same day as the previous precept.
• Shows him acting alongside other local lairds in the formal transfer of Abbey lands.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Preceptum sasine – Order to give sasine.
• Per terre et lapidis et unius garbe traditionem – By the symbolic delivery of earth, stone, and one sheaf.
• Ballivi in hac parte – Specially appointed bailies for this particular act.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 484–485 (Manuscript folio 701)

Date of the Entry 8 June 1528

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Henricus Guthre (Henry Guthrie)
• Helezabet Lyell (Elizabeth Lyell), his spouse
• Johannes Guthre, filius eorum primogenitus (John Guthrie, their first-born son)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Life-tack of the lands of ly Ruffys (the Roughs) and ly Park de Connan, with the garbal teinds, together with the croft commonly called ly Myllhyll, all within the regality of Arbroath, granted to Henry Guthrie, his wife Elizabeth Lyell, and their first-born son John Guthrie, and their subtenants of no higher status. Special provision is made for the order of succession if Henry predeceases the others.

In addition, the Abbot appoints Henry and John as maros (officers) and coroners of the regality of Arbroath and as clerks (or “court clerks”) of all justiciary, chamberlain and other courts of the burgh or barony during their lifetimes, with power to appoint substitutes, and assigns them a customary fee consisting of the Mayrland and certain quantities of grain.

Guthrie Role Henry Guthrie (with his wife and eldest son) receives a life-tenure of significant lands at Ruffys and the Park of Connan, plus the Myllhyll croft. He and his son are also appointed to important hereditary-style offices within the regality (maros, coroners, and court clerks).

Modern English Translation 701 The same sets in tack for the whole term of life to Henry Guthrie, Elizabeth Lyell his spouse, and John Guthrie their first-born son, and their subtenants not of higher status, the lands of ly Ruffys and ly Park de Connan with the garbal teinds, together with the croft commonly called ly Myllhyll, within the regality of Arbroath. And if it should happen that Henry dies before Elizabeth and John, Elizabeth and John shall hold the said lands with the teinds and croft by just and equal division; and the survivor of the two, the other being removed from the midst, shall enjoy the lands and teinds for the space of his or her life.

Rendering for the lands of Ruffys six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence of the money of Scotland at the usual terms, and two celdras of oats commonly called horscorn of the measure of the current market; and for the garbal teinds of the same twelve bolls of meal and four bolls of barley of the foresaid measure at the customary terms, with six capons and as many adult chickens with rynmart and wether; and for the foresaid croft forty shillings; and leading ten cartloads of peats and as many of hay and tiles to the monastery whenever they shall be warned.

Moreover the Abbot has appointed the said Henry and John maros and coroners of the regality of Arbroath and clerks (or as is commonly said, court clerks) of all justiciary, chamberlain and other courts of the burgh or barony during the term of their lives, with power of ordaining substitutes. For the exercise of which offices he assigns to the foresaid the customary fee, namely one piece of land lying on the north side of the lands of Carne commonly called Mayrland, and also twelve bolls of barley and twelve bolls of meal of the measure of the current market to be uplifted at the customary terms from the ferms of the victual of the town of Ruffys and from the teinds of the same, namely twelve bolls of meal, four bolls of barley and one celdr of oats commonly called le horscorn for the remaining eight bolls of barley; from which sum of victual he discharges the foresaid. 8 June 1528.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Major consolidation of the family’s position: Henry Guthrie, Elizabeth Lyell and their eldest son John receive a life-tack of the Ruffys lands (previously associated with Henry “in the Ruffys”) together with additional property.
• The simultaneous grant of the offices of marus, coroner and court clerk of the regality elevates Henry and John to positions of real local authority under the Abbot.
• Continues the well-documented family group (Henry + Elizabeth Lyell + John) previously seen in the Mylhil tacks of 1509 and 1526.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Pro toto tempore vite – For the whole term of life (life-rent tack).
• Maros coronatores – Maros (officers) and coroners of the regality.
• Scribas notarios seu … curiarum clericos – Clerks / court clerks of the various courts.
• Feodum consuetum – The customary fee attached to the offices.
• Horscorn – Oats of a quality suitable for horses.
• Rynmart et weddyr – A mart and a wether as customary render.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Pages 506–509 (Manuscript folio 765)

Date of the Entry Confirmation dated 13 April 1532 (reciting the 1505 foundation of Charles Brown, the 1505/6 confirmation by Abbot George Hepburn, and a 1513 instrument of resignation)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie) – witness
• Henricus Guthre (Henry Guthrie) – bailie
• Dominus de Guthre (the lord of Guthrie) – neighbouring landholder

Guthrie Role

• James Guthrie appears as a witness to the proceedings.
• Henry Guthrie acted as one of the bailies in whose hands Charles Brown resigned additional property in 1513.
• The “lord of Guthrie” is named as the owner of land lying to the east of a tenement in the Merkatgayt that is charged with an annual rent.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (confirming)
• Carolus / Carrolus Brown (Charles Brown), burgess of Arbroath (original founder)
• Margareta Ouchtirlony (Margaret Ochterlony), spouse of Charles Brown in the 1513 resignation

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Later confirmation of the chaplainry at the altar of St Nicholas founded by Charles Brown in 1505, incorporating additional clauses omitted from earlier transumpts and recording a 1513 resignation of further tenements and annual rents into the hands of Henry Guthrie (one of the bailies) for the benefit of the same altar.

Modern English Translation (Key passages)

765 The Abbot confirms (1) the charter of Charles Brown concerning the chaplainry of the altar of St Nicholas dated 14 November 1505, with the confirmation of George Hepburn, abbot, dated 10 March 1505 [No. 448], and certain clauses omitted in the transumpt of the confirmation, namely: [detailed additional regulations for the chaplain’s attendance, dress, non-transferability, use of ornaments, removal for absence or concubinage, and the saying of De profundis].

Before these witnesses, namely: lord Henry Scot, lord David Scot, chaplains; David Clark, one of the bailies; James Stewart; James Guthrie; John Brown; Alexander Nicholson; Tenian Forbes; Nicholas Morison; Andrew Gray; John Brown in Kyrkton; William Brown; James Barre; and Master William Barre, notary public; with divers other witnesses.

(2) Instrument concerning the said foundation written by the hand of William Thornton, notary, dated 18 April 1513, to this effect: Charles Brown, burgess of Arbroath, in the hands of Henry Guthrie, one of the bailies, resigned one tenement within the burgh lying on the east side of the Cobgayt between the lands of James Paniter on the north and the lands of Walter Sclater on the south … [further annual rents] … item one annual rent of eight shillings and eight pence from a tenement lying on the east side of the Merkatgayt between the lands of Patrick Seras on the north and the lands of the lord of Guthrie on the east and the lands of lord David Scot on the west …

Which resignation being so made, the same bailie gave sasine of the said tenements and annual rents to the said Charles and Margaret Ochterlony his spouse and the heirs procreated between them, whom failing to the altar of St Nicholas founded by Charles and situated within the chapel of St Mary within the burgh of Arbroath, saving the right of anyone.

Confirmation dated 13 April 1532.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places James Guthrie as a witness in the early sixteenth-century burgh context.
• Shows Henry Guthrie acting officially as a bailie of Arbroath in 1513.
• Records the “lord of Guthrie” as a neighbouring landholder in the Marketgate of Arbroath, confirming the continued presence of the principal family within the burgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Transumptum – A formal authenticated copy of an earlier document.
• Resignatio in manibus ballivi – Resignation into the hands of a bailie (the standard method of conveying burgage property).
• Sasina – The formal giving of possession.
• Saluo iure cuiuslibet – Saving the right of anyone (standard protective clause).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 518 (Manuscript folio 793)

Date of the Entry 24 January 1533 (i.e. 1533/4) Term begins at the feast of Pentecost 1534

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)

Guthrie Role John Guthrie is the principal tenant of the lands of Colliston.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the lands of Colliston (Colliston), lying within the lordship of Arbroath and the sheriffdom of Forfar, granted for good service to John Guthrie, his subtenants and assignees of lower status than himself.

Modern English Translation 793 The same, for good services, sets in tack for nineteen years from the feast of Pentecost 1534 to John Guthrie, his subtenants and assignees inferior to himself, the lands of Colliston within the lordship of Arbroath and the sheriffdom of Forfar. Rendering ten pounds of the money of Scotland. 24 January 1533.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records John Guthrie receiving a substantial nineteen-year tack of the lands of Colliston from the Abbot in 1533/4.
• The phrase “pro benemeritis” (for good services) indicates that the grant was made in recognition of prior service to the Abbey.
• Continues the pattern of Guthrie family members holding significant Abbey lands into the 1530s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Pro benemeritis – For good services / in recognition of merit.
• Assedacio pro nouendecim annis – Nineteen-year tack.
• Seipso inferioribus – Inferior to himself (the standard status restriction on subtenants and assignees).
• Reddendo – Rendering / paying (the annual rent clause).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 520 (Manuscript folio 802)

Date of the Entry 8 February 1534

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Franciscus Gothra (Francis Guthrie)
• Matildis Sturrok (Matilda / Maud Sturrock), his spouse

Guthrie Role Francis Guthrie (with his wife Matilda Sturrock) is the life-tenant of the two acres and their garbal teinds.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)
• Patricius Norrowa (Patrick Norrowa / Norway) – previous occupant

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Life-tack of two acres of land lying in Pundarlawfeild (Punderlawfield) with the garbal teinds, which Patrick Norrowa formerly occupied, granted to Francis Guthrie and Matilda Sturrock his spouse, and their coadjutors and assignees of no higher status.

Modern English Translation 802 The same sets in tack for life to Francis Guthrie and Matilda Sturrock his spouse and their coadjutors and assignees not of higher status those two acres of land lying in Pundarlawfeild with the garbal teinds which Patrick Norrowa formerly occupied. Paying two bolls of clean pure and dry barley; the teinds of flax and hemp being reserved to the abbot. 8 February 1534.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Introduces Francis Guthrie and his wife Matilda Sturrock as Abbey tenants in 1534.
• Shows the family still acquiring small but formal life-tenures of land and teinds within the regality in the mid-1530s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Pro vita – For life (life-rent tack).
• Coadiutores – Coadjutors / joint helpers (persons associated with the tenants in the holding).
• Decimae garbales – Garbal (corn) teinds.
• Reservatis abbati decimis lini et canapis – The teinds of flax and hemp being reserved to the abbot (a common reservation of industrial crops).

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club Publications No. 86)
Page 528 (Manuscript folio 833)

Date of the Entry 16 February 1535

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de Grandon (Alexander Guthrie of Grandon)
• Alexander Guthre, filius eius primogenitus (Alexander Guthrie, his first-born son)

Guthrie Role Alexander Guthrie of Grandon and his eldest son Alexander are the joint principal tenants of Mondornach, with the right to build a mill.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the lands of Mondornach, lying within the sheriffdom of Aberdeen and the barony of Fiwen (Fyvie), together with licence to construct a mill thereon for their own profit, and with the wrack and wair, granted to Alexander Guthrie of Grandon and his first-born son Alexander Guthrie, and their assignees and subtenants of no higher status.

Modern English Translation 833 The Abbot sets in tack for nineteen years to Alexander Guthrie of Grandon and Alexander Guthrie his first-born son and their assignees and subtenants not of higher status the lands of Mondornach with licence to construct a mill in the same for their own profit, together with the wrack and wair, lying within the sheriffdom of Aberdeen and the barony of Fiwen. Paying six pounds thirteen shillings and eight pence of the money of Scotland with other services due. 16 February 1535.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Introduces Alexander Guthrie “of Grandon” and his eldest son Alexander as Abbey tenants in 1535.
• The grant includes the valuable right to build a mill and the coastal rights of wrack and wair, indicating a substantial holding in the north-east (Aberdeenshire / Fyvie area).
• Extends the documented geographical range of Guthrie tenancies under Arbroath Abbey beyond Angus into Aberdeenshire.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Licencia construendi molendinum – Licence to build a mill.
• Wrak et wair – Wrack and ware (the right to seaweed and wreck cast up by the sea).
• Non maioris status – Not of higher status (restriction on assignees and subtenants).
• Reddendo … cum aliis seruiciis debitis – Paying … with other services due.

_{^{~Bannatyne Club Publication No.86~}}
Book of St Thomas of Arbroath:
Registers of the Abbey of Arbroath
Volume 2: 1329 – 1536
^(continued)

Master Index – Vol. 2
Guthrie Places

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Altera (Registrum Nigrum)
Page 67 (Manuscript folio 75)

Date of the Entry Undated (boundary description; late medieval)

Place Identified

• Denheid of Gutheryne (the Denhead of Gutheryne)
• Gutheryn (the settlement / lands whose inhabitants are mentioned)

Role of the Place The Denhead of Gutheryne is named as a boundary point in the marches that enclose the Myltounmwr, the Eisterbrekkis, and the Bishop of St Andrews’ land. The inhabitants of Gutheryn are also referenced in relation to the path they take to St Vigeans kirk.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• None named individually (boundary description)

Original Document Language Middle Scots

Purpose Description of the marches (boundaries) that bound the Myltounmwr, the Eisterbrekkis, and the Bishop of St Andrews’ land.

Modern English Translation The marches that bound the Myltounmwr, the Eisterbrekkis, and the bishop’s land of St Andrews.

75 In the first, beginning at the Ramdenheid, and from there passing southwest to the Todholis, and so forth to the Akyn Busk, and so on to the Blynd or the Beld Stane under the dykes of the Brakkys, and so on to the Denheid of Gutheryne under the gait as the inhabitants of Gutheryn come and go to St Vigeans kirk.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a topographical reference to the Denhead of Gutheryne as a recognised local landmark.
• A denhead (Scots denheid) is the upper end or source-end of a den — a narrow, steep-sided, usually wooded valley or ravine.
• Mentions the “induellaris of Gutheryn” (inhabitants of Gutheryn), confirming a populated settlement associated with the place-name.
• Links the place to the path used by its residents to reach St Vigeans church.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Altera (Registrum Nigrum)
Page 152 (Manuscript folio 70)

Date of the Entry Undated (boundary description; late medieval)

Place Identified

• Gwtheryn (Gutheryn / Gutheryne) – the lands whose marches are being described

Role of the Place The lands of Gwtheryn are the subject of a formal boundary description (marchis). The text sets out the limits of these lands, distinguishing what belongs to them from the common land lying outside the bounds.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• None named individually (boundary description)

Original Document Language Middle Scots

Purpose Description of the marches (boundaries) of the lands of Gwtheryn.

Modern English Translation The marches of Gwtheryn.

70 In the first, beginning at Ellok at the Quheitscheid Newk, so passing east the Greyn Reysk to Laithan Den, and so passing up the Laithan Den and out through to the west side of Grundaly, and from that to the Greyn Wellis and Drumnagar, and so passing east downward the Greyn Laich to Gemmylis Myr, and from that passing down over our own lands, the rest being in common outside these bounds to the teill ryggis of Quhairfumewyr.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is a dedicated march description for the lands of Gwtheryn itself.
• It provides detailed topographical markers (Ellok, Quheitscheid Newk, Greyn Reysk, Laithan Den, Grundaly, Greyn Wellis, Drumnagar, Greyn Laich, Gemmylis Myr, etc.).
• Confirms that Gwtheryn / Gutheryn was treated as a distinct territorial unit with defined bounds in the late medieval period.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Altera (Registrum Nigrum)
Pages 302–303 (Manuscript folio 371)

Date of the Entry 8 March 1496

Place Identified

• Terrae de Guthyn (the lands of Guthyn)
• Vestirbrex (Wester Brex)

Role of the Place The lands of Guthyn (together with Vestirbrex) and their garbal teinds are set in tack for 19 years to Sir Thomas Ogilvy, knight. The term is to begin immediately after the expiry of the previous tack held by Magister Malcolm Guthre.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• David, Abbot of Arbroath
• Dominus Thomas Ogilwy, miles (Sir Thomas Ogilvy, knight) – new tenant
• Magister Malcolmus Guthre – previous tenant whose tack is expiring

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the Abbey’s lands of Guthyn and Vestirbrex with the garbal teinds, granted to Sir Thomas Ogilvy and his assignees/subtenants of no higher status.

Modern English Translation Guthyn is set in tack to lord Thomas Ogilvy.

371 We, David, abbot of Arbroath … set in tack … to lord Thomas Ogilvy, knight, and his assignees and subtenants … provided they are not of higher status than himself … and that the assignees are admitted by the abbot and convent … our lands of Guthyn and Vestirbrex … together with the garbal teinds … in our regality of Arbroath and within the sheriffdom of Forfar for terms of nineteen years … the term of entry beginning on the feast of Pentecost immediately following the expiry of the terms of the tack of Magister Malcolm Guthre … Paying … twenty bolls of clean and good barley and forty bolls of meal with the measure of the current market at the terms … and three pounds six shillings and eight pence of the money of Scotland at the feasts of Pentecost and St Martin …

[Further clauses concerning riding with the abbot, relaxation of husbandman burdens except leading peats, hay and tiles, and the abbot’s right to dispose of the lands if the rent is not properly paid.]

At the monastery, the eighth day of the month of March in the year of Our Lord 1496.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms that the lands of Guthyn were an Abbey property held under successive tacks.
• Explicitly links the place to the previous tenant, Magister Malcolm Guthre.
• Shows the lands of Guthyn being transferred from a Guthrie tenant to Sir Thomas Ogilvy in 1496.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Altera (Registrum Nigrum)
Page 477 (Manuscript folio 684)

Date of the Entry 14 February 1527

Place Identified

• Terrae villae de Gwthyn (the lands of the town of Gwthyn / Guthyn)

Role of the Place The lands of the town of Gwthyn, together with their garbal teinds, are set in tack for 19 years to Henry Fethe, lord of Ballysak, and Helen Stratone his spouse (and their assignees/subtenants of no higher status). The lands had previously been occupied by Henry himself and his eldest son and heir.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)
• Henricus Fethe, dominus de Ballysak (Henry Fethe, lord of Ballysak) – principal tenant
• Helena Stratone (Helen Stratone), his spouse
• Alexander Fethe and David Fethe – sons of Henry and Helen (contingent successors)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Nineteen-year tack of the lands of the town of Gwthyn and the garbal teinds of the same, with power to impose and remove subtenants.

Modern English Translation 684 The same sets in tack for nineteen years to Henry Fethe, lord of Ballysak, and Helen Stratone his spouse, and their assignees and subtenants not of higher status, the lands of the town of Gwthyn and the garbal teinds of the same, which the same Henry and his eldest son and heir were occupying, with power of imposing and expelling subtenants; and if they should fail or be removed from the midst before the end of the nineteen years, then to Alexander Fethe and David Fethe, sons of the said Henry and Helen, and their assignees and subtenants as aforesaid. Paying forty bolls of meal and twenty bolls of pure and dry barley at the terms of paying victual, and five merks of the money of Scotland at the usual terms; and leading ten cartloads of peats and as many of hay, and leading tiles whenever they shall be warned, as the other husbandmen do. 14 February 1527.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Shows the lands of Gwthyn / Guthyn still being set in tack by the Abbey in 1527.
• The previous occupants were Henry Fethe and his eldest son (not a Guthrie in this instance).
• Continues the documentary record of Guthyn as an Abbey estate into the early sixteenth century.

Liber S. Thome de Aberbrothoc – Pars Altera (Registrum Nigrum)
Pages 481–482 (Manuscript folio 696)

Date of the Entry 15 May 1528

Place Identified

• Terrae villae de Guthyn (the lands of the town of Guthyn)

Role of the Place The lands of the town of Guthyn, together with the garbal teinds, are set in life-tack to Henry Fethe of Ballysak and Elene Straton his spouse (and their assignees/subtenants of no higher status), with succession to their sons Alexander and David Fethe under specific sharing provisions.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The Abbot of Arbroath (“Idem”)
• Henricus Fethe de Ballysak (Henry Fethe of Ballysak) – principal life-tenant
• Elene Straton (Helen Straton), his spouse
• Alexander Fethe and David Fethe – sons of Henry and Helen (successors)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Life-tack of the lands of the town of Guthyn with the garbal teinds, with detailed succession arrangements between the two sons.

Modern English Translation 696 The same sets in tack for the whole term of life to Henry Fethe of Ballysak and Elene Straton his spouse and their assignees and subtenants not of higher status the lands of the town of Guthyn with the garbal teinds; and if they should fail or be removed from the midst, then to Alexander Fethe and David Fethe their sons and their assignees and subtenants as aforesaid, with power of imposing and expelling subtenants; provided that the said Alexander shall not occupy more of the said lands than David his brother, and the town shall be divided between them by equal portions; and if the said Alexander should fail or be removed from the midst, David shall occupy the whole land of the said town with the teinds, and vice versa. Paying forty bolls of meal and twenty bolls of clean pure and dry barley at the terms of payment, and five merks of the money of Scotland at the usual terms; and leading ten cartloads of peats and as many of hay, and leading tiles whenever they shall be warned, as the other husbandmen do. 15 May 1528.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Converts the previous 19-year tack of Guthyn (1527) into a life-tack for Henry Fethe and his wife, with clear succession to their two sons.
• Shows the continued importance of the lands of Guthyn as an Abbey estate into the late 1520s.
• No Guthrie personal name appears in this particular tack.